2020 Olympics: Group G Preview

The final group in the Olympic women’s football tournament will likely be the toughest. Group G has the two-time defending world champions, the defending silver medalists, and two other incredibly tough teams. There will be a team strong enough to win a medal that will not get out of this group, and that’s why it will be the group that most people pay attention to when the games begin next week.

Schedule

Wednesday, July 21

Sweden vs. USA

Australia vs. New Zealand

Saturday, July 24

Sweden vs. Australia

New Zealands vs. USA

Tuesday, July 27

New Zealand vs. Sweden

USA vs. Australia

Sweden - 5/6

USWNT - 1/1

Australia - 9/7

New Zealand - 22/26

USA

The 2-time defending world champions. The #1 team on the planet, the favorites of the tournament. The USWNT is looking to become the first women’s team to win a gold medal right after winning a World Cup. For them, anything less is failure, and they’ve brought an experienced lineup full of some of the best players in the world to go for gold in Tokyo.

FIFA Rank/Elo Rating: 1/1

Recent Record: The USWNT haven’t lost in 2021. They did have 1 draw that took place on the road against Sweden, but every other match has been the USWNT showing why they’re the world’s #1.

Odds of Winning Group: Favorite

One to Watch: Forward Christen Press has been involved in 37 goals in her last 37 international appearances. She not only scores, but she creates goals for others. She’s ready to be the best at this tournament.

Sweden

Sweden is a team that will always compete, and they have the silverware to prove it. The 2016 silver medalists, Sweden is back for more and to show that they can get all the way to the end and stand tall with the gold medal.

FIFA Rank/Elo Rating: 5/6

Recent Record: Sweden has 4 wins and 2 draws in 2021, including a draw against the United States. They’re the only team that has managed to score a goal on the USA since March 2020.

Odds of Winning: In The Running

One to Watch: Midfielder Kosovare Asllani has star quality and is a terrific scorer for Sweden. She can also create scoring chances, and defenses will have to focus on her every match.

Australia

The Matildas are a team that can be dangerous in this tournament. They have some superb players, and they have played well recently against the United States. Still, that hasn’t yielded any trophies or medals. Australia exited in the quarterfinals in Rio 2016 and the Round of 16 in the 2019 World Cup, but they’re hoping that 2021 is the year that the yellow and green are atop the podium.

FIFA Rank/Elo Rating: 9/7

Recent Record: Australia has not had a good run lately. In 2021, they do not have any wins, managing a lone draw to Sweden in 5 matches.

Odds of Winning: In The Running

One to Watch: Samantha Kerr is one of the best players in the world, and she’s going to be counted on to carry Australia throughout the tournament.

New Zealand

The Ferns are the team that’s rated the lowest of the 4 in Group G, but that doesn’t mean they’re the weakest. They always possess a tough mentality on the field and have the players to beat anyone. In their quest to be considered among the top 10 programs in the world, they have the biggest test of all being in this group. New Zealand appears to be ready for the challenge.

FIFA Rank/Elo Rating: 22/26

Recent Record: New Zealand only has one match played in 2021. They lost 3-0 to Great Britain in a tune up match earlier this week.

Odds of Winning: Outside Chance

One to Watch: Hannah Wilkinson is their best goalscorer, and she hopes to make a leap to the next level in helping New Zealand beat the giants.

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