Women’s soccer has been among of the more intriguing events in the Olympics and this year’s edition should not disappoint with heavyweights France, Germany, Spain Japan and Brazil along with the United States and upstart countries like Zambia and Australia ready to vie for the gold medal.
The U.S. is undergoing a transition on the field and on the sidelines, this will be the international tournament of Emma Hayes, the very successful club coach at Chelsea, tabbed to bring the Americans back to the top of the summit. On the field, a new group of stars are eager to make their mark.
“There are top footballing nations in this tournament,” Hayes said. “I don’t think shocks in the women’s game exist anymore. I think we have to reframe our focus a little bit and have respect for the rest of the world.”
One concern for Hayes is the lack of consistency in attack, a problem that was highlighted in their goalless draw in the final pre-Olympic contest against Costa Rica.
Despite having offensive talent like Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson and Rose Lavelle, the Americans are still seeking consistency in attack.
They are in Group B along with Germany, Zambia and Australia. The Germans have been going through a dry spell on the world stage. The 2016 gold medalists missed the last Olympics and are eager to re-emerge as a soccer power, despite missing star midfielder Lena Oberdorf due to a knee injury.
Australia will take on the U.S. in the final matchday, which could be vital for either team to qualify for the knockout stage. The Aussies will be without star Sam Kerr, who tore her ACL in January.
Zambia could surprise with who could be the breakout player of the tournament, forward Barbra Banda. She is one of the leading scorers in the NWSL. Her speed and ability are hard for any defense to handle.
Over in Group A, France is expected to be the favorites playing on home soil. The French mix in an equally talented group of youngsters and veterans.
Canada should be the French’s main rivals, but they will have to overcome a couple of major issues. The first is the retirement of Christine Sinclair, the greatest goal scorer in women’s soccer.
The Canadians, the defending Olympic champions, are also recovering from allegations that they used a drone to spy on a New Zealand practice. Two assistant coaches have been dismissed and their head coach, Bev Priestman, will miss their opening match against the Kiwis.
Over in Group C, Spain returns almost its entire World Cup winning side back, including midfielder Aitana Bonmatí, who is the Ballon d’Or holder as the world’s best player. Brazil has been underperforming lately but knowing that this could be woman’s legend Marta’s last tournament on an international stage, could be the motivation they need. Japan is also likely to move on. They are always tough to play and own a 4-0 victory over Spain in the group stage of the last World Cup. Nigeria has the offensive talent, but can they continue new coach Randy Waldrum’s attention to defense. If they can, they are eligible to surprise.
The gold medal match is scheduled for Saturday. Aug. 10 at 11 a.m. in the East.