Drone incident causes trouble at Olympia
Before the opening match of the Olympic soccer tournament, excitement: A drone flies over the training of the New Zealand women's team. The incident was reported to the police, who arrested a Canadian team staff member.
New Zealand has complained to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) about a drone incident during the training of the women's soccer team in Canada. During a training session on Monday before the opening match of both teams in the Olympic tournament in St. Etienne, a drone was observed flying over the field and reported to the police.
An unaccredited member of the Canadian team staff was arrested by French authorities, according to the Canadian Olympic Committee, and expressed "shock and disappointment" over the incident. "We offer our sincere apologies to the New Zealand women's soccer team, all affected players, and the New Zealand Olympic Committee." Further steps will be discussed with the IOC, organizers, and FIFA.
Canada and New Zealand face each other in the Olympics on Thursday (3 p.m.) in the group stage in St. Etienne. The Canadian women are the defending champions in Olympic soccer. Three years ago, they won the final against Sweden in a penalty shootout. Both teams are in a group with the world champions from Spain and Japan.
Meanwhile, the German women's team starts their Olympic campaign later in Marseille against Australia (7 p.m./ZDF, Eurosport, and on ntv.de-Liveticker). On Sunday, they face record world champions USA, and three days later, they play against South Africa. DFB captain Alexandra Popp expects physically strong opponents. The team must hold their ground from the start and throughout the 90 minutes, she said. "We can do that. I'm convinced of that. But it has to happen from the beginning and last the entire 90 minutes, otherwise any team can trouble us."
The drone incident involving the Canadian team staff member has caused tension between New Zealand and Canada, as New Zealand has lodged a complaint with the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Despite this incident, both teams are set to face each other in the Olympic soccer tournament on Thursday in St. Etienne.
