Well it was exciting until the end of the late window matches. Where in each group the top 1-2 was fairly certain, it came down to the battle for the best two third places. Would it be Brazil, Australia or Canada/Colombia?
Group A – results
- New Zealand – France (1-2)
- Colombia – Canada (0-1)
Group B – results
- Australia – USA (1-2)
- Zambia – Germany (1-4)
Group C – results
- Brazil – Spain (0-2)
- Japan – Nigeria (3-1)
Game Summaries
Brazil – Spain
Spain already qualified for the quarter-finals after winning the opening two games. However, for Brazil there was all to play for as a win would put them through, a draw as well but a loss could mean an anxious wait to find out if they were one of the two best number 3s.
The match, played at Bordeaux Stadium, remained goalless in the first half despite Brazil’s defensive resilience. However, the game took a decisive turn when Brazilian star Marta was shown a red card just before halftime for a dangerous tackle on Spain’s Olga Carmona.
With Brazil reduced to ten players, Spain capitalized on their advantage in the second half with a goal from Athenea del Castillo. After numerous injury stoppages (both goalkeepers as well as Brazil’s defender) an astonishing 16 minutes of injury time were added. Just before the end Alexia Putellas, once again showed the world why she is one of the best, with a stunning shot from distance to seal the victory for Spain. Despite the loss, Brazil also managed to advance to the knock-out stages as one of the best third-placed teams.
Japan – Nigeria
In the other match in Group C, Japan defeated Nigeria 3-1, resulting in Nigeria’s elimination from the tournament. Japan secured their victory with three first-half goals from Maika Hamano, Mina Tanaka, and Hikaru Kitagawa. Nigeria managed to score a consoltation goal through Jennifer Echegini in the 42nd mintue. Despite their efforts, Nigeria finished at the bottom of the group, losing all three matches and scoring only once in the tournament.
Australia – USA
The U.S. women’s national team delivered a commanding performance against the Matildas in their final Group B match at the Paris 2024 Olympics, winning 2-1 in Marseille. The Americans controlled the game from the outset but initially struggled to find the net. Trinity Rodman broke the deadlock just before halftime, giving the USA a well-deserved lead after persistent attacking pressure.
Australia entered the match needing goals to improve their goal difference and secure a spot as one of the best third-placed teams. However, they were unable to withstand the relentless American offense. The USA doubled their lead in the 77th minute with a crucial goal by Alyssa Thompson. Despite a late push from the Matildas, including a 91st-minute goal by Alana Kennedy assisted by Michelle Heyman, Australia couldn’t find the equalizer. Kennedy had another promising chance shortly after, but it was not meant to be.
Ultimately, Australia’s efforts fell short as Canada secured a victory in their match, relegating the Matildas to the position of the worst third-placed team and ending their Olympic journey. This marks another tournament without a medal for Australia’s talented squad, leaving fans and players alike to ponder what could have been.
Zambia – Germany
Germany started their match against Zambia on a strong note, with Lea Schüller breaking the deadlock in the 10th minute. The German team controlled the early phases of the game, dominating possession and creating more opportunities. Despite their efforts, neither team could add to the scoreline for the rest of the first half.
Shortly after the second half began, Klara Bühl extended Germany’s lead, making it 2-0. However, Zambia responded quickly with Barbra Banda scoring in the 49th minute, showcasing her skill once again and closing the gap to 2-1.
Lea Schüller scored her second goal of the match in the 61st minute, restoring Germany’s two-goal advantage after a period of solid play. In injury time, Elisa Senss sealed the victory for Germany with another goal, securing their place in the quarterfinals with a final score of 4-1.
New Zealand – France
Paris Saint-Germain forward Marie-Antoinette Katoto opened the scoring for France in the 22nd minute, heading the ball in from close range to put her team ahead. Despite France’s early advantage, New Zealand managed to equalize shortly before halftime with a stunning long-range strike from Wellington Phoenix midfielder Kate Taylor. Her 25-yard rocket reignited New Zealand’s hopes of advancing to the knockout stage, but it proved to be their only highlight in the match.
In the second half, Katoto secured her brace and guaranteed France’s top spot in the group. Her second goal of the evening, and fifth in the tournament, underscored her impressive form at the Olympics, sealing a strong performance for France as they advanced to the knockout rounds.
Colombia – Canada
Despite the six-point deduction, Canada still had a chance to progress as a win would most likely make them one of the best number 3s, as they had a positive goal difference after winning the opening two games of this tournament. However, Colombia proved to be a tough defence to breakdown. In the end, the reigning Olympic champions qualified for the knock-out stage with a 1-0 win over Colombia. Colombia also managed to progress in the end.
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