The race for Olympic gold starts in Paris: the women’s football tournament promises high-voltage matches Here is the calendar of upcoming matches
The Women’s Football Tournament at the Olympic Games in Paris will kick off on Thursday July 24th ith a thrilling first round, showcasing intense matches and standout performances. Here’s a detailed overview of the games, featuring facts, figures, and quotes from key players and coaches.
Paris 2024 women’s football groups and matches schedule
Group A
Canada vs. New Zealand
Venue: Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint-Etienne
Kick-off: 17:00
Canada, the defending champions, have a remarkable record of never failing to score in a group stage match at the Olympics. Maple Leafs will be for the very first time without their iconic player Christine Sinclair. New Zealand is marking their fifth consecutive appearance in the tournament, after a debut in 2008: but with no major result, just a quarterfinal in London 2012. Their aim is to overcome the group. And make it better during the second phase.
“We have a bunch of different personalities, but we all mesh very well. It’s so important to just have each other’s backs and have belief in each other. With this team, you just know the person beside you will support you no matter what,” said Julia Grosso, Canada midfielder and former Juventus Player
Michael Mayne, New Zealand’s coach, expressed optimism, saying, “We’ve got the belief that we can get results in this Olympics. That’s the goal. Trying to get wins and get out of the group would be the dream.”
France vs. Colombia
Venue: Stade de Lyon
Kick-off: 21:00
France is hosting the tournament in a very huge expectation after a disappointing Euro in 2022 and a unlucky loss at the last World Cup in Australia last year.
France has a strong record against Colombia in Olympic play, winning both previous encounters, including a 4-0 victory in 2016. Colombia, still in search of their first Olympic win, has struggled in past tournaments, drawing one and losing five of their six matches. But can be a very interesting underdog team thanks to her massive talent Linda Caicedo.
“We are now in Olympic mode. We have to go into it with ambition and self-confidence. And learn the lesson of the 2023 World Cup so that we can do much better,” said Herve Renard, France coach.
Manuela Pavi, forward for Colombia, emphasized the team’s dedication: “Colombia are a team that fight, that work hard and chase down every ball no matter who we’re playing. It’s about the love of representing our country.”
Group B
Germany vs. Australia
Venue: Stade de Marseille
Kick-off: 19:00
Germany is on the cusp of scoring their 50th goal in Olympic history, joining the ranks of USA and Brazil. Australia has been relatively strong in recent Olympic group stages, losing only two of their last eight matches. This is a true iconic clash, the very first giant challeng between to teams aiming the final podium.
Germany’s coach Horst Hrubesch commented, “I’d put the other teams in Group B on the same level as the USA. This is and extremely tough challenge. Australia had an excellent home World Cup and they have a strong physical presence. Zambia have great strikers, so it won’t be an easy group.”
Michelle Heyman of Australia echoed a determined spirit, saying, “Germany is a great team, but I think we’re up there with the best too. Everyone wants to come home with a medal around their neck, and that’s what we’re going to be fighting for. We need to start as much fast and good as we can. This can be extremely important for us…”
USA vs. Zambia
Venue: Stade de Nice
Kick-off: 21:00
The USA’s only previous Olympic encounter with an African team resulted in a 3-1 win against Nigeria in 2000. Zambia’s captain, Barbra Banda, made history at Tokyo 2020 by scoring hat-tricks in consecutive matches. But Zambia arrives to Paris in a very uncomfortable mood due to suspicion around the harsh relationship between the CT Bruce Mwape, and the team. After investigations and many things said and done the team can suffer this very difficult situation.
“To represent the US at the Olympics… That’s just crazy! To be able to compete for a gold medal is a dream. The World Cup and the Olympics are the two biggest tournaments in soccer,” expressed Jaedyn Shaw, USA forward.
Barbra Banda, reflecting on the challenge, stated, “Looking at the record that USA, Germany and Australia have experience… They’ve been here many times before, they’ve played a lot of games at the highest level. For us, this it’s just the second time at the Olympics. We’re here to play and show our best. That’s it”.
Group C
Spain vs. Japan
Venue: Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes
Kick-off: 17:00
Spain is the reigning world champions but will make its Olympic debut after qualifying by winning the inaugural UEFA Women’s Nations League. Japan has a consistent record of advancing past the group stage in four out of their five Olympic appearances. Another gigantic clash with Spain aiming to confirm to be the top-team and the most accredited golden rush player on the pitch.
“We go into every tournament with the utmost enthusiasm and ambition. It is the first time ever we will play at the Olympics. We are really excited about it. We are really focused and will go into the tournament taking nothing for granted,” said Montse Tome, Spain coach that renewed her contract wuth the Spanish royal federation few days ago.
Risa Shimizu, Japan defender, highlighted the team’s approach: “At the Olympics, it will be crucial to figure out how to eke out a win even when we’re not playing well. The quality of our performance is important, but we must make sure we get the desired results.”
Nigeria vs. Brazil
Venue: Stade de Bordeaux
Kick-off: 19:00
Nigeria returns to the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament after a hiatus since 2008, bringing with them the experience of three previous appearances. Brazil has won both previous encounters against Nigeria, including a 3-1 victory in the 2008 Olympics.
Asisat Oshoala, Nigeria forward, shared her confidence: “I have a lot of confidence in this team. We have many young players and we can make things difficult for our opponents. We don’t just think about getting out of the group, I think we can actually walk away with a medal.”
Arthur Elias, Brazil coach, praised his team’s unity: “The commitment of the team is great. We have got an increasingly strong group [of players], and we have a unity of thought. This is an important factor for the team to advance in such a difficult competition and also to win in the knockout phase.”
First round, the whole six matches pack, will be played during this first day calendar. The second match has been scheduled for 28th July, Sunday.
Brazil-Japan (17:00)
New Zealand-Colombia (17:00)
Australia-Zambia (19:00)
Spain-Nigeria (19:00)
France-Canada (21:00)
USA-Germany (21:00)
