After an thrilling first spherical of fixtures within the ladies’s soccer match on the 2024 Summer time Olympics in Paris, it is now time for matchday two.
There have been no attracts throughout the six opening video games final Thursday – a day earlier than the official opening ceremony in France – with no actual surprises both because the likes of Canada, Spain, Germany, France and america all tasted victory.
Nevertheless, matchday two throws up some tantalising clashes between giants, with the USWNT dealing with Germany and hosts France taking over reigning champions Canada, who’re mired in controversy.
Right here is how 90min thinks matchday two would possibly play out this Sunday.
In a tricky group that incorporates three nations throughout the high ten of the FIFA rankings, Brazil bought off to an ideal begin in opposition to underdogs Nigeria. A 1-0 win courtesy of Gabi Nunes’ effort ought to act as a springboard for conferences with Japan and Spain, with the previous being Brazil’s subsequent opponents.
Japan fought laborious of their 2-1 defeat to 2023 World Cup winners Spain however have been finally outclassed come the full-time whistle. Regardless of taking the lead by means of an beautiful free kick, Futoshi Ikeda’s aspect could not preserve maintain of their benefit.
Brazil and Japan have met as not too long ago as April within the third-placed play-off within the 2024 SheBelieves Cup. The previous got here out on high on that event however solely following a penalty shootout victory wherein Japan missed all three of their spot kicks.
Prediction: Brazil 1-0 Japan
Each New Zealand and Colombia tasted slender defeats of their opening matches in Group A however it proved to be a very irritating night time for the South People. Shedding 3-2 to hosts France having been three objectives down on the break, Colombia additionally noticed star striker Mayra Ramirez despatched off for critical foul play within the ultimate 5 minutes.
She’s going to miss the conflict in opposition to New Zealand however Colombia do have the wonderful Linda Caicedo to nonetheless carry their hopes of victory.
Not a lot was anticipated of New Zealand in opposition to present Olympic champions Canada however they prompted the North American aspect loads of points. Taking an early lead after simply 13 minutes, Evelyne Viens’ strike broke hearts within the 79th minute as Canada accomplished the turnaround in a 2-1 win. They could endure an identical end result in opposition to Colombia this Sunday.
Prediction: New Zealand 1-2 Colombia
Australia had been in optimistic kind heading into their opener with Germany however have been dismantled by the European giants with little fuss. A hefty 3-0 defeat places the Matildas on the again foot in Group B as they nonetheless should face america of their ultimate match.
Due to this fact, beating the match’s lowest-ranked aspect Zambia is crucial. The African outfit have been hammered 3-0 by america on Thursday and can head into this conflict with Australia as vital underdogs, even when the scoreline is not as extreme this time round.
Prediction: Australia 1-0 Zambia
World champions Spain have been good worth for his or her 2-1 win over Japan and will have a extra snug time in opposition to Nigeria this weekend. The world’s high FIFA-ranked aspect have a star-studded squad, exemplified by objectives from Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati and new Arsenal ahead Mariona Caldentey final day out.
Nigeria fought admirably in opposition to Brazil however have the potential to be torn aside in opposition to Spain. Their defence has been sturdy in current matches however they must up their sport to deal with La Roja’s vary of attacking threats.
Prediction: Spain 3-0 Nigeria
France virtually threw away a three-goal half-time lead in opposition to Colombia of their opening sport however the match hosts held on for an necessary victory. One of many favourites for gold, they may fancy their possibilities after they face the present holders on Sunday.
Marie-Antoinette Katoto bagged twice in opposition to Colombia final day out and will likely be aiming to increase her tally right here, whereas the spectacular Kadidiatou Diani is hoping to open her account.
Canada have already made a controversial begin to this 12 months’s Olympics. Two employees members – Joseph Lombardi and Jasmine Mander – have been dismissed after utilizing a drone to spy on New Zealand’s coaching periods previous to their 2-1 win over the Ferns. The response from FIFA has shocked the world, with the Canadians docked six factors, sending their tally to -3, and head coach Bev Priestman, in addition to Lombardi and Mander, banned from all soccer associated exercise for one 12 months.
That doubtlessly adjustments the entire complexion of this contest. The place a fair contest may need been anticipated, the massive blow might see Canada wilt and France take full benefit.
Prediction: France 3-1 Canada
The file four-time Olympic champions will likely be aiming to comply with up their 3-0 win over Zambia with a press release victory over Germany. Emma Hayes’ aspect placed on a present of their opener as Trinity Rodman and Mallory Swanson each notched throughout the opening 25 minutes, the latter doing so twice.
It might have been an terrible lot extra for the USWNT in Good, who have been totally rampant in opposition to the underdogs, however they may face a a lot sterner take a look at this Sunday.
Germany, who received gold in 2016, demolished Australia of their first outing and can put way more stress on america backline in Marseille. Striker Lea Schuller was notably eye-catching in opposition to the Matildas, whereas Wolfsburg stalwart Alexandra Popp is searching for her first objective at this 12 months’s Olympics.
This needs to be an exciting affair.