Olympics Match Day 1: US and Germany Impress

The first matches of the 2024 Paris Olympics involved plenty of goals and drama.

Matchday 1 had it all – goals, red cards and coaches banned for drone use. An exciting start to the Olympic Women’s Football saw the United States hit three past Zambia, while Germany rocked the Matildas with a three goal haul themselves.

Canada’s preparations for the Olympics were disrupted as Head Coach Bev Priestman stepped down in light of the team being involved in a drone spying saga. The team rallied amidst the controversy to beat New Zealand 2-1, with goals from Arsenal’s Cloe Lacasse and Roma’s Evelyne Viens securing the three points for the last Olympics gold medallists.

Emma Hayes started her competitive tenure with the USWNT with a resounding 3-0 win over Zambia, with Trinity Rodman getting on the scoresheet and Mallory Swanson claiming a brace.

Meanwhile, World Cup holders Spain were given an early test against Japan, with Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati and Mariona Caldentey scoring in a 2-1 win.

Germany looked like a force to be reckoned with, beating Australia 3-0 with goals from Hegering, Schuller and Brand.

Brazil started the Olympic Games off with a narrow 1-0 win over Nigeria, while hosts France had a scare against Colombia. Despite leading 3-0, a nervy second half saw Colombia pull 2 goals back but France held out. A stunning Kenza Dali strike put France into what looked like cruise control before a determined Colombian team scored two goals. Chelsea’s Ramirez received a red card for a nasty challenge which took their momentum away.

Olympics Women’s Football Matchday 1 Results

Canada 2 – 1 New Zealand

Spain 2 – 1 Japan

Germany 3 – 0 Australia

Brazil 1 – 0 Nigeria

United States 3 – 0 Zambia

France 3 – 2 Colombia