The U.S. women’s national team will close out Olympic group play against Australia on Wednesday. The Stars and Stripes are coming off a massive 4-1 win over Germany and have already clinched a spot in the knockout rounds. Australia played to a wild 6-5 victory against Zambia, keeping their knockout hopes alive. Both teams are no strangers to international rivalry, and they’ll meet for the 35th time and for the fourth time at the Olympics.
The two sides met twice during the Tokyo Olympics, during group play and the bronze medal match, and the United States defeated the Matildas 4-3 to claim third place. The USWNT lead the all-time series (28W-1L-5D) and are unbeaten in five previous meetings against Australia at championship levels.
Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming match:
Viewing information
- Date: Wednesday, July 30 | Time: 1 p.m. ET
- Location: Stade de Marseille — Marseille, France
- TV: USA Network, Universo | Live stream: Fubo (try for free)
- Odds: USWNT -175; Draw +310; Australia +445
USWNT lineup
USWNT starting XI: Naeher, Fox, Girma, Sonnett, Dunn, Coffey, Horan, Lavelle, Smith, Swanson, Rodman
Storylines
USWNT: Head coach Emma Hayes told media in France that defender Tierna Davidson has sustained a knee contusion and will be unavailable for selection against Australia. Jaedyn Shaw is still out with a leg injury and Croix Bethune remains with the squad as a gameday option. Injury may force some changes to Hayes’ ideal starting lineup, but the head coach has taken the initiative during sub-windows to rotate players out. Most players managed a full 90, so while there’ll be some changes, perhaps there will be more familiarity than initially anticipated. Hard to deny what the USWNT attacking trio has accomplished thus far, and the squad will likely ride that momentum.
Australia: The Matildas are very nearly on the precipice of tournament exit that leads to a program shake-up. They have conceded eight goals over two matches, have struggled to contain dynamic attacks, and now have to face the likes of Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Mallory Swanson. The midfield will need to have an elevated performance if they want to have a chance to advance.
Prediction
The USWNT attack is on fire and they should look at this game as another opportunity to show their best in front of the goal. Australia have plenty to play for and should bring their best game to this one. Pick: USWNT 3, Australia 1
