2020 Olympics: Group F Preview

Group F of the Olympic women’s football tournament features a few teams that are no newbies when it comes to important competition. Brazil, China, Zambia, and the Netherlands will present each other with challenges. There isn’t a team in this group that is playing extremely well entering the Olympics, but the star talent makes Group F an intriguing one.

Schedule

Wednesday, July 21

China vs. Brazil

Zambia vs. Netherlands

Saturday, July 24

China vs. Zambia

Netherlands vs. Brazil

Tuesday, July 27

Netherlands vs. China

Brazil vs. Zambia

China

China is a team that will undoubtedly be a tough matchup for any team. They have a group that’s fairly young and ready to show that they can take China back into the top 10 in the world. They exited in the quarterfinals back in Rio 2016, so they’re hoping they can push through and compete for a medal.

FIFA Rank/Elo Rating: 15/15

Recent Record: China have only played 2 matches thus far in 2021. They qualified for the Olympics by beating South Korea on the road and then drawing them in extra time at home to advance on aggregate.

Odds of Winning Group: In The Running

One to Watch: Forward Wang Shanshan is their most experienced player and most prolific goalscorer. Wang will be the one that China relies upon to carry the scoring load in the group stage.

Brazil

Brazil has the stars, and they’re hoping that this is finally the year that they break through and stand on that top platform as gold medalists. They want to force their style of football and control the game, and their only question is whether they can put it together against the very best in the world. Brazil appears ready to take the test.

FIFA Rank/Elo Rating: 7/9

Recent Record: Brazil has only allowed 3 goals in 2021, with only one loss to the USWNT during SheBelieves Cup. They have defeated and drawn Canada, with victories against Argentina and Russia.

Odds of Winning: In The Running

One to Watch: Midfielder Debinha is not here to take over the tournament. She’s here to take over the world. Keep an eye on her, because she has the ability to dazzle you while she dominates.

Zambia

Zambia arrived at the Olympics by winning Africa’s qualifying tournament. Representing as Africa’s lone team in the tournament, Zambia want to show that they’re ready to make the leap into the next tier of teams in the world. To do that, they will have to pull up a couple of upsets and show that they will not back down from any opponent.

FIFA Rank/Elo Rating: 104/58

Recent Record: Zambia has only played once in 2021, a 3-1 friendly loss to South Africa. In their last 5 matches dating back to 2020, they have 2 wins over Chile and Lesotho, with losses to South Africa, Botswana, and Malawi.

Odds of Winning: One Can Dream

One to Watch: Forward Barbara Banda is just 21 years of age but can put the ball in the back of the net. She has a chance for many more fans to know her name with a great performance in the tournament.

The Netherlands

The Netherlands are back and ready to continue their climb to the top. The runners-up in the 2019 Women’s World Cup, the Dutch want to show they’re still among the top teams in the world by pushing through and getting that gold medal. They have some of the world’s best players, and all they need to do is prove it on the field.

FIFA Rank/Elo Rating: 4/4

Recent Record: The Dutch are 4-2-0 in 2021, with big wins coming against Belgium, Germany, Australia, and Norway. They had 1-0 losses to Spain and Italy.

Odds of Winning: Favorite

One to Watch: Forward Vivianne Miedema is one of the best scorers on the planet. With 73 goals in just 96 caps, she’s going to be one of the best players at the Olympics.

Who will advance from Group F? What matches are most interesting to you? Let us know in the comments.