Paris 2024 Olympics: Women’s matchday 2 results and key players
- The final round of group games take place on 31 July
- Colombia, United States and Spain are all top of their tables
- The knock-outs begin on 3 August
The second round of group games in the women’s football tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympics saw a total of 25 goals, and three last-minute comebacks from Australia, Canada and Japan helping to keep their goal medal dreams alive.
The matches were scattered across the day on 28 July and marked the penultimate round of group games, ahead of the final batch on July 31. The top teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals on August 3, along with the two best third-placed countries.
Group A
Country | Goal difference | Points |
|---|---|---|
Colombia | 1 | 3 |
France | 0 | 3 |
Canada | 2 | 0 |
New Zealand | -3 | 0 |
Group B
Country | Goal difference | Points |
|---|---|---|
United States | 6 | 6 |
Germany | 0 | 3 |
Australia | -2 | 3 |
Zambia | -4 | 0 |
Group C
Country | Goal difference | Points |
|---|---|---|
Spain | 2 | 6 |
Japan | 0 | 3 |
Brazil | 0 | 3 |
Nigeria | -2 | 0 |
90min has taken a look at all the results, and selected our player of the match from each one…
Group A
Colombia 2 - 0 New Zealand
After a disappointing 3-2 loss to France in their opening game, Colombia will no doubt be pleased to secure their first three points of the tournament.
Marcela Restrepo and Leicy Santos both bagged goals for Colombia, securing a victory ahead of their last group fixture against defending champions Canada.
The result marked New Zealand’s second consecutive loss since the competitions began, leaving them bottom of the table due to goal difference.
Player of the match: Manuela Vanegas (COL) - 7/10 - The left back’s cross provided the assist for Santos, helping to net Colombia’s second goal. Although she didn’t have a tonne of work to do as her side dominated most of the game, Vanegas passed confidently, and created threatening balls.
Canada 2 -1 France
The continued fall-out from Canada’s drone-spying scandal struck again, this time a day before the national team were set to face France. FIFA confirmed it would be deducting six points, and banning head coach Beverly Priestman for one year.
However, despite everything being against them, Canada managed to clinch a last-minute victory over France to remain in the knockout race.
Canada went 1-0 down in the first half after France’s Marie-Antoinette Katoto’s strike in the 42nd minute, but it wasn’t for long. Canada captain Jessie Fleming equalised in the 13th minute of the second half, before Vanessa Gilles found herself in the right place to knock in a rebound from the goalkeeper in the 12th minute of stoppage time.
Canada are due to face Colombia in their final group game of the tournament.
Player of the match - Vanessa Gilles (CAN) 7/10 - For the last minute winner and rebound alone, the centre-back deserves this honour.
Group B
Australia 6 - 5 Zambia
This was hands down the most exhilarating game of end-to-end football the tournament has seen yet. Australia lost by a whopping 3-0 to Germany in their opening game, and were determined not to let that see them out of the competition.
At one point, the Matildas found themselves 5-2 down. However, two from captain Steph Catley and goals from Alanna Kennedy, Hayley Raso, Michelle Heyman and an own goal from Ngambo Musole helped them pull off an astounding victory.
Barbra Banda’s first half hat trick and two from Racheal Kundananji weren’t enough to help Zambia clinch a win, following their defeat to the USWNT a few days earlier.
Australia are left with a tough last fixture against the USA in their final group stage game.
Player of the match - Steph Catley (AUS) 8/10 - The defender embodied all the qualities of a fantastic captain, not only scoring two goals in the process, but encouraging the Matildas to stay determined and focused.
USA 4 - 1 Germany
USWNT have booked their spot in the quarter-finals, thanks to a thumping 4-1 win over Germany. Sophia Smith scored twice in the first half, closely followed by Mallory Swanson, marking her third goal of the tournament so far.
Germany’s Giulia Gwinn’s long-distance goal however, wasn’t enough to get her team back into the game. Substitute Lynn Williams added the final goal in the 89th minute, taking the final score to 4-1.
Swanson, Smith and Trinity Rodman have been responsible for all six of the USWNT’s group stage goals, proving why this squad, under new manager Emma Hayes is one to be feared.
Player of the match - Sophia Smith (USA) 9/10 - The 23-year-old forward is proving herself to be a future start of the USWNT star. We've got a feeling that we are seeing the making of a potential legend.
Group C
Japan 2 - 1 Brazil
Japan celebrated a huge comeback against Brazil, with both of their goals coming in stoppage time.
The first half was goalless, but Jheniffer kicked off proceedings in the 56th minute and looked to have done enough to help Brazil secure three points. However, an impressive strike from Momoko Tanikawa in the 96th minute, and a successful penalty taken by Saki Kumagai left Japan jumping for joy.
There’s a lot to play for as both these teams gear up for tricky final games, with Brazil taking on Spain, and Japan preparing to face Nigeria.
Player of the match (JAP) - Momoko Tanikawa 8/10 - Quite simply, the best explanation we can give for this accolade is the forward’s wonder strike. If you haven’t already, please go and watch it.
Spain 1 - 0 Nigeria
Despite dominance, Nigeria were unable to fend off world champions Spain. Alexia Putellas’ free-kick goal in the 85th minute was enough to secure them their second victory of the tournament and another three points.
Nigeria were unlucky however, at the start of the second half after a goal from Salma Paralluelo was disallowed by VAR and ruled offside.
Spain are now due to play Brazil on Wednesday, while Nigeria will take on Japan.
READ THE LATEST WOMEN'S FOOTBALL NEWS, FEATURES & ANALYSIS
feed