Canada vs. France Women's Olympic Soccer: Bronze Medal Recap & Twitter Reaction

Canada and France didn't bring the same type of energy and intensity fans witnessed in their respective semifinal matches, but there was still plenty of tension throughout the second half before Diana Matheson scored to give Canada the 1-0 win in the 92nd minute.

A scoreless first half featured very few scoring chances as both teams sat back and waited for the game to come to them. After playing six games in the span of two weeks, it wasn't a surprise to see a slow start to the match.

Things started to pick up in the second with more opportunities on each end. France had several near misses, including one that was cleared off the line by Desiree Scott. The French couldn't convert, and Canada eventually took advantage.

Here's a look at Twitter's reaction to the match, player grades and more analysis as Canada takes home the bronze medal.

Twitter Reaction

David Honchul was one of several people pointing out the lack of flow in the match, which came just a couple days after the teams suffered semifinal disappointments.

"

Both #France & #Canada women look tired in Bronze Medal Football Match; passing & striking just doesn't look quite as crisp. #Olympics

— David Honchul (@DaveHonchul) August 9, 2012"

It wouldn't be a Canadian athletic event without at least one reference to hockey. Ray Balberman compared Christine Sinclair's goal-scoring prowess to that of "The Great One."

"

Christine Sinclair 143 goals in 189 caps. 76 percent. Wayne Gretzky 894 goals in 1487 games. 60% Something to think about. #Canada #tsn

— Ray Balberman (@RayBalberman) August 9, 2012"

Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun was quick to point out Canada finally got a break after being on the wrong end of several calls against the Americans.

"

Slice of luck indeed....for Diana Matheson and Team Canada in extra time 1-0

— Ken Wiebe (@WiebeSunSports) August 9, 2012"

Just moments after Matheson scored the winner, the final whistle blew to give Canada the bronze.

"

BRONZE MEDAL ALERT: Canada's women's soccer team WINS bronze! #CanWNT

— CTVOlympics.ca (@CTVOlympics) August 9, 2012"

Grades For Key Players

Christine Sinclair (Canada): C+

Expectations were high for Sinclair after a dominant performance against the United States. The amount of effort she put in to that match clearly impacted her, though. She wasn't nearly as dangerous in the attacking third.

The Canadian star was only able to get herself in positions to score a couple times, and she wasn't able to find the net. Luckily for her, Canada got the win anyway, consequently avoiding any blame game that would have been directed Sinclair's way.

Erin McLeod (Canada): B+

McLeod rose to the occasion when France picked up the pressure in the second half. The goalkeeper commanded her box well and made a terrific diving save after a deflection caused her to quickly change directions.

It was exactly the type of performance Canada needed from her. The offense struggled to generate any pressure, but McLeod kept it tied until the Canadian attack was finally able to break through right before the final whistle.

Elodie Thomis (France): B

Thomis scored two goals during the group stage but hadn't made her presence felt nearly as much since the knockout rounds began. She was a lot more assertive on Thursday, creating a couple goal-scoring opportunities.

Her grade would have been higher if she were able to finish one of those chances. She wasn't, and none of her teammates were able to pick her up, leaving France without a goal or a medal after a strong run.

Laura Georges (France): C

After being all over the pitch for France up to the bronze-medal match, Georges wasn't nearly as involved against Canada. Her lack of contributions were one of the key reasons why the team wasn't able to generate more good looks at net.

Like so many other players on the pitch, it just didn't look like she had anything left in the tank after an exhausting tournament. The defender should still be proud of her effort throughout the tournament, but the last game slipped away.

Woman of the Match: Diana Matheson

When you score the game-winning goal in stoppage time of a bronze-medal match, the Player of the Match honor is guaranteed. Matheson picked up the loose ball and fired it by Sarah Bouhaddi to end the deadlock.

It was a moment of relief for the entire Canadian team. After nearly earning a chance to play for gold, it was tough to bounce right back to play for bronze. Looking back, they will be happy Matheson saved the day so they could at least walk away with a medal.