After an exciting first round of fixtures in the women’s football tournament at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, it’s now time for matchday two.
There were no draws across the six opening games last Thursday – a day before the official opening ceremony in France – with no real surprises either as the likes of Canada, Spain, Germany, France and the United States all tasted victory.
However, matchday two throws up some tantalising clashes between giants, with the USWNT facing Germany and hosts France taking on reigning champions Canada, who are mired in controversy.
Here is how 90min thinks matchday two might play out this Sunday.
In a tough group that contains three nations within the top ten of the FIFA rankings, Brazil got off to a perfect start against underdogs Nigeria. A 1-0 win courtesy of Gabi Nunes’ effort should act as a springboard for meetings with Japan and Spain, with the former being Brazil’s next opponents.
Japan fought hard in their 2-1 defeat to 2023 World Cup winners Spain but were ultimately outclassed come the full-time whistle. Despite taking the lead through an exquisite free kick, Futoshi Ikeda’s side couldn’t keep hold of their advantage.
Brazil and Japan have met as recently as April in the third-placed play-off in the 2024 SheBelieves Cup. The former came out on top on that occasion but only following a penalty shootout victory in which Japan missed all three of their spot kicks.
Prediction: Brazil 1-0 Japan
Both New Zealand and Colombia tasted narrow defeats in their opening matches in Group A but it proved to be a particularly frustrating night for the South Americans. Losing 3-2 to hosts France having been three goals down at the break, Colombia also saw star striker Mayra Ramirez sent off for serious foul play in the final five minutes.
She will miss the clash against New Zealand but Colombia do have the excellent Linda Caicedo to still carry their hopes of victory.
Not much was expected of New Zealand against current Olympic champions Canada but they caused the North American side plenty of issues. Taking an early lead after just 13 minutes, Evelyne Viens’ strike broke hearts in the 79th minute as Canada completed the turnaround in a 2-1 win. They may suffer a similar result against Colombia this Sunday.
Prediction: New Zealand 1-2 Colombia
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