Paris 2024 Olympics: Women's matchday 1 results and key players
- The group stage of the tournament began on 25 July
- Canada, France, Germany, USA, Brazil and Spain all secured victories
- The next matchday is scheduled for 28 July
Canada, France, Germany, Brazil, USA and Spain have got off to a flying start in the women’s football tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympics, while Australia have been left picking up the pieces after a shocking loss.
The group stage began on 25 July, which saw 12 countries battle it out across three different groups in their opening games to clinch a valuable fast start. The successful teams are scheduled to play in the quarter-finals on 3 August, followed by the semi-finals on 6 August, a bronze medal match on 9 August and the gold medal match on 10 August.
90min has taken a look at all the results, and selected our player of the match from each one…
Group A
Canada 2-1 New Zealand
Canada will be pleased to have beaten New Zealand after their sportsmanship was thrown into question after being exposed for flying a drone to spy on their competitors ahead of their opening game.
As a result, two of their staff were struck off and sent home immediately, while head coach Beverly Priestman has now been suspended for the remainder of the tournament.
The Canadians were under pressure early on in the game after New Zealand’s Mackenzie Barry scored in the 13th minute. However, the defending gold medallists’ resilience proved too hard to battle, with Cloe Lacasse equalising just before the end of the first half, and later Evelune Veins scoring in the 79th minute.
Player of the match: Cloe Lacasse (CAN) - 8/10 - The forward was a threat every single time she had possession. Her goal was instrumental in helping give Canada the boost they needed to eventually go onto win, and show why the scandal that plagued them the last couple of days isn’t reflective of their ability to play great football.
France 3-2 Colombia
France looked comfortable in the first half against to Colombia but were made to work for their 3-2 win, largely thanks to two goals from Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Kenza Dali.
The hosts were much shakier in the second half and credit must be given to Colombia who kept piling on the pressure. Catalina Usme got herself on the scoresheet early on after stepping up to take a penalty. Manuela Pavi clinched the second in the 64th minute, but a yellow card turned to red for Mayra Ramirez late on as France clung on.
Despite the loss, the resilience of Colombia shouldn’t be underestimated as they proved themselves to be worthy opponents in what was arguably one of their toughest matches of their group.
Player of the match: Manuela Pavi (COL) - 7/10 - The forward managed to get herself on the scoresheet of this thrilling match, but also found smart ways to get past France’s defence. Her ability to keep them guessing exposed a potential weakness in the opposition's formation, and one others are likely going to assess in the coming days.
Group B
Germany 3-0 Australia
Australia suffered a huge blow against Germany as they were on the back foot for most of the game. Marina Hegering and Lea Schuller scored headers from corners in either half, with Jule Brand adding to the scoresheet with a shot from close range.
The Matildas will no doubt be disappointed with their lacklustre performance after arriving in France seeking victory after their semi-final knockout to the Lionesses in last summer’s World Cup. It seems they are missing the leadership and goalscoring ability of striker Sam Kerr, who's ruled out due to injury.
Player of the match: Lea Schuller (GER) - 8/10 - The forward exploited Australia’s shaky defence at every opportunity and it’s unlucky that she didn’t end up on the scoresheet more than once.
USA 3-0 Zambia
Emma Hayes’ first game at the helm of the United States' Olympic team proved a success, as the USWNT clinched a seamless victory over Zambia.
Trinity Rodman gave the US the lead in the 17th minute, while Mallory Swanson later hit the back of the net twice in the space of a minute.
The USWNT have a lot to prove after their shock exit from the World Cup last year. They certainly looked confident, comfortable and in control.
Player of the match: Mallory Swanson (USA) - 8/10 - Scoring two goals in the space of just one minute is certainly impressive. The forward looked like she was enjoying her time representing her country in the opening game, and we are looking forward to seeing what else she can pull off during the rest of the tournament.
Group C
Spain 2-1 Japan
World champions Spain didn’t start as they hoped against Japan, falling 1-0 down after Aoba Fumino bent a free-kick into the top corner in the 13th minute.
However, Spain were hungry for revenge with their 4-0 loss to Japan at last year’s World Cup no doubt still fresh in their minds. Aitana Bonmati didn’t take long to find the back of the net, and secured an equaliser just nine minutes later.
She then provided an impressive assist for Arsenal’s new signing Mariona Caldentey for Spain to take the lead in the 74th minute.
Player of the match: Aitana Bonmati (ESP) - 9/10 - The midfielder manages to prove why she is the greatest player in the world time and time again. She covered an immense amount of ground, all while being instrumental in Spain’s victory.
Nigeria 0-1 Brazil
Gabi Nunes scored this game's only goal in the 37th minute, helping contribute to a satisfying opening game victory for Brazil.
Some might have expected more goals, especially with legend Marta representing her country for her sixth time at the Olympics, but Nigeria put on a good performance and were successful in stopping Brazil conceding anymore.
Player of the match: Marta (BRZ) - 7/10 - The forward is a legend in her own right, and still has the ability to dominate every game she plays. She has confirmed this will be her last major tournament with Brazil, so we are soaking up every moment that we are still able to enjoy her.
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