PARIS: A rejuvenated US team under new coach Emma Hayes is aiming for a record-extending fifth women's soccer gold medal at the Paris Olympics but faces stiff competition, not least in the form of World Cup holders Spain and their all-star lineup.
The United States remains the biggest draw in women's soccer, despite recent disappointing results and the departure of several veteran stars.
They won gold when women's football was introduced to the Olympics in 1996 and won it three times in a row in 2004, 2008 and 2012.
But three years ago in Tokyo, they lost to defending champions Canada in the semi-finals after a quarter-final exit in 2016.
That was followed by shock last-16 exits at the World Cup a year ago in Australia and New Zealand, a disappointing end to the international career of the iconic Megan Rapinoe and the exit of coach Vlatko Andonovski.
They come to Paris led by former Chelsea boss Hayes, arguably the best female coach in the game.
She made a remarkable decision when naming her squad for the Games by choosing to leave out Alex Morgan, one of the key players in the 2015 and 2019 World Cup-winning side but now in his twilight years at 35.
“It was definitely a tough decision…especially considering Alex's history and record with this team, but I felt like I wanted to go in another direction and pick other players,” Hayes said.
This is a young USA team right now, though players like Trinity Rodman and Sophia Smith will benefit from the experience they gained at the World Cup.
The experience is still there, especially in the shape of Lindsay Horan and Rose Lavelle, members of the squad that won the World Cup in France in 2019.
The United States are in a tough group with Germany, Australia and a Zambian team who are outsiders but have an exciting front in Barbra Banda and Rachel Kundananji.
The format — 12 teams in three groups of four — means the two best third-placed sides advance to the quarter-finals, providing a safety net in the event of a slip-up.
Germany, the gold medalists in 2016, are aiming to bounce back from a group stage exit at the World Cup but are without key midfielder Lena Oberdorf through injury.
Australia will be hoping to continue their run to the semi-finals at the World Cup on home soil, but they will be missing their captain Sam Kerr, as she recovers from an ACL injury.
In Group C with Spain, Japan, Nigeria and Brazil, there will be little to lose when they arrive in Paris with the same stars that led them to World Cup glory 11 months ago.
Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmati, Alexia Putelas and Salma Parallo are standouts in an excellent side that has also won the UEFA Women's Nations League this year and is now making her Olympic debut.
“I'm sure a lot of people and a lot of teams see us as favourites, but this competition is a bit different,” Bonmati told Marca.
“We play a lot of games in a short time, and against good sides, so it will be very difficult. But obviously we have maximum ambition and are going for the gold.”
Spain kick off against 2012 silver medalists Japan, whose side includes World Cup top scorer Hinata Miyazawa.
Nigeria is the top-ranked African nation, while Brazil are two-time silver medalists and hope to compete again in legendary forward Marta's sixth Olympics at the age of 38.
Meanwhile, France will face the reigning Olympic champions Canada, New Zealand and Colombian teenager Linda Cacedo in Group A with a big target at home.
“The objective, like every French athlete, is to win a medal. It won't be easy, but it should be the goal,” said coach Herve Renard, who will leave after the tournament, which starts on Thursday and runs until August 10.
The matches will be played around France, with the semi-finals in Lyon and Marseille. However, the gold medal match will be held in Paris.
