Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Spain, and USA Begin Strongly in Women’s Olympic Football Tournament
Six of the seven best teams involved in Olympic games win their debut with a perfect start in Paris 2024 program.
France overcomes a nice and tough challenge against Colombia; Brazil narrowly defeats Nigeria as
Canada and Spain come back from behind to win against New Zealand and Japan respectively. Not the easiest way to start but for sure the best for the whole top teams company aiming for podium and gold in Paris.
Group A
Canada 2-1 New Zealand
13’ Barry, 45’+4 Lacasse, 79’ Viens
The reigning Olympic champions, Canada, began their campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory against New Zealand in Saint-Etienne. Mackenzie Barry gave the Football Ferns an early lead in the 13th minute, scoring with a right-footed shot that hit the underside of the bar. But Canada equalized just before halftime with a goal from Cloe Lacasse. Then Evelyne Viens – AS Roma – secured the win for Canada with a brilliant finish in the second half. A true nice goal
France 3-2 Colombia
6’ and 42’ Katoto, 18’ Dali , 54’ Pen Usme, 64’ Pavi
France kicked off their tournament with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Colombia in Lyon. Marie-Antoinette Katoto took advantage of a defensive error to open the scoring after just six minutes. Kenza Dali then doubled the lead with a volley from the edge of the box. Katoto scored her second goal, the firts double of this Olympic tournament, just before the break. France tried to manag the lead but struggled as Colombia fought back in the second half, with Catalina Usme converting a penalty and Manuela Pavi narrowing the gap. However, their comeback ran out of steam, especially after Mayra Ramirez was sent off for a foul on Selma Bacha.
Group B
Germany 3-0 Australia
24’ Hegering, 64’ Schuller, 68’ Brand
Germany made a strong statement with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Australia. With Lene Oberdorf definitely sidelined after an harsh ingury, Marina Hegering opened the scoring with a header from a corner delivered by Giulia Gwinn. Lea Schuller then added a second, also with a header again from a Gwinn assist and Jule Brand completed the scoring with a close-range finish, underscoring Germany’s title credentials.
USA 3-0 Zambia
17’ Rodman, 24’ and 25’ Swanson
Nice and easy. USA win with no pain against Zambia scoring three goals in less than 30’. The best debut for the new team built up under the guidance of coach Emma Hayes, that showcased their intent to win a fifth Olympic gold medal with a commanding 3-0 win over Zambia. Trinity Rodman opened the scoring with a skillful turn and finish, followed by two quick goals from Mallory Swanson. Zambia’s day went from bad to worse when Pauline Zulu was sent off for a last-player foul, leaving the USA to comfortably see out the match with no risk at all during th whole second half.
Group C
Spain 2-1 Japan
13’ Fujino, 22’ Bonmatì, 74’ Caldentey
World champions Spain had to come from behind to secure a 2-1 win over Japan in Nantes. Japan took the lead with a stunning free-kick from Aoba Fujino in the 13th minute. Spain overcame playing consistently: Aitana Bonmati’s clinical finish equalzed in the 22nd minute. The winning goal came in the 74th minute, with Mariona Caldentey finishing a well-executed one-two. But Spain definitely deserved this win.
Nigeria 0-1 Brazil
37′ Gabi Nunes
Brazil began their tournament with a narrow 1-0 victory over Nigeria. The game’s only goal came from Gabi Nunes, who scored after a clever assist from Marta, moments after having a goal disallowed for offside. Despite hitting the post in the second half, Brazil managed to hold onto their lead and secure the win.
Next Games
This is the second matchday program as the Olympic tournament will be scheduled again with six matches on Sunday July 28th
17:00 New Zealand v Colombia
17:00 Brazil v Japan
19:00 Australia v Zambia
19:00 Spain v Nigeria
21:00 France v Canada
21:00 USA v Germany
Reed also: Women’s soccer Olympics, Spain and USA in quarterfinals
