USWNT vs. Australia, 2020 Olympic bronze medal match: What to watch for

The United States Women’s National Team are playing for a medal. Though it’s not the one they were aiming for, their new goal is to finish 3rd in the 2020 Olympic women’s football tournament, which comes with a bronze medal. To do that, they’ll have to get past Australia, who drew the USWNT in the group stage in a lackluster match that didn’t see a lot of action from either team.

Both teams are dealing with the disappointment of not being able to play for gold in Tokyo. However, it will be the team that can best put that behind them and focus on the new goal of ending up on the podium to receive a bronze medal.

What To Watch For

Leave it all on the field. There is no tomorrow for this team at the Olympics. Tomorrow is the final match they play. For many players on the team, it’s the final match they will play as an Olympian. Leave no doubt. To beat Australia, they will have to give a maximum effort.

Be aggressive, but play smart. The match these two teams played in the group stage lacked intensity as both teams sleepwalked to a scoreless draw. The intensity has to be there now as the USWNT plays for a medal. They still need to play smart, but let’s see if the USWNT can also play with some aggression, particularly on the offensive end.

Find space to create scoring chances. The USWNT has not been able to consistently carve out the space they normally find to create scoring chances. There should be a renewed focus on doing that against the Matildas. This should be a match where Vlatko would have the opportunity to throw his most creative offensive players on the field to see what they can do.

Prediction

The USWNT will focus and ensure that they leave Tokyo with a bronze medal. It’s not a pretty match, but they get it done against Australia with a 1-0 victory after extra time.