TOKYO 2020 WOMENS
WOMEN'S GROUP C
IMAGES, FROM TOP LEFT, CLOCKWISE: Australia Goalkeeper, Lydia Williams, Ria Percival for New Zealand, Sweden Defender, Magdalena Eriksson, USA's talented Megan Rapinoe
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AUSTRALIA
NEW ZEALAND
COACH: Tony Gustavsson HOW DID THEY QUALIFY? Won AFC Playoff Over Vietnam BEST SHOWING AT THE OLYMPICS? Quarterfinals (2004 and 2016) KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH: GK Lydia Williams (Arsenal), DEF Ellie Carpenter (Lyon), FWD Sam Kerr (Chelsea), FWD Hayley Raso (Everton) OUTLOOK: After a disappointing 2019 World Cup, the Matildas are looking to grab their first medal tournament victory. While they haven’t had a great 2021 (losing 5-0 to the Netherlands and 5-2 to Germany), at club level their players are coming off of a great season including Kerr who led Chelsea to the FAWSL title. The key will be finding a partner up top with Kerr. Look for Raso to have a big tournament.
COACH: Tom Sermanni HOW DID THEY QUALIFY? 2018 OFC Nations Cup Winner BEST SHOWING AT THE OLYMPICS? Quarterfinals (2012) KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH: DEF Ali Riley (Orlando Pride), MID Ria Percival (Tottenham Hotspur), and FWD Rosie White (OL Reign) OUTLOOK: The Kiwis are one of the real success stories in women’s international football, having used their multiple opportunities in Olympics/World Cups to build a strong program that is never an easy three points. Now, the big question is: can they get into the knockout round consistently? Defensively, the side should be able to hold their own against the rest of Group C. But they are going to have to get out of their attacking shell, something that they have struggled with over the years. White has had a strong start to her NWSL season with the Reign but will need to step up to get out of Group C.
SWEDEN
UNITED STATES
COACH: Peter Gerhardsson HOW DID THEY QUALIFY? Third Place At 2019 World Cup BEST SHOWING AT THE OLYMPICS? Silver Medalist (2016) KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH: DEF Magdalena Eriksson (Chelsea), MID Caroline Seeger (Rosengard), and FWD Sofia Jakobsson (Real Madrid) OUTLOOK: Sweden’s emphasis on possession and forcing opponents out of position might not win make many highlight reels but it is incredibly effective. The Blagult are undefeated in their last six matches, including a tough 1-1 draw against Group C opponent/bitter rival United States. Seeger and Eriksson have come very, very close to winning a championship, including a 2016 Silver Medal. Expect them to be in the hunt come the knockout stage.
COACH: Vlatko Andonovski HOW DID THEY QUALIFY? First Place In CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying BEST SHOWING AT THE OLYMPICS? Gold Medalist (1996, 2004, 2008, and 2012) KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH: DEF Becky Sauerbrunn (Portland Thorns), MID Sam Mewis (North Carolina Courage), MID Rose LaVelle (OL Reign) and FWD Megan Rapinoe (OL Reign) OUTLOOK: The USWNT come into the Summer Olympics as the presumptive favorite but by no means are they a lock to win it. This is Andonovski’s first major tournament and with a veteran-heavy roster that is looking to end on a high note, there comes considerable pressure (See: 2016 Olympics). That both LaVelle and Christen Press are both coming back from serious injuries will also worry supporters. The US have all of the talent to win it, now they just need to execute.
PREDICTIONS
SOCCER360 JULY • AUGUST 2021
SILVER
GOLD BRONZE
