Rival Watch – Page 2 – Women's Soccer Express

Olympics 2024: The USWNT and Brazil Advance to the Gold Medal Match – Semifinals Recap and Highlights

Rematches in the knockout stage of a tournament rarely play out the same way as the earlier group stage match. The United States Women’s National Team understands that axiom all too well, as they had faced a group stage opponent in a knockout or medal match five previous times at the Olympics, losing only once (2000, versus Norway in the gold medal match).

For the USA, this time around, there would be no dominant victory against their group stage opponent, Germany. But, there would be a victory, thanks to an extra-time heroine, just as there was in the quarterfinal match against Japan.

Reigning Women’s World Cup champions Spain, who were debutantes at this year’s Summer Olympics, got a harsh lesson in that reality when a makeshift and spirited Brazil, buoyed by an early own goal, got their second straight upset win.

2024 Olympics: Final Group Standings and Quarterfinal Match-Ups

Knockout bracket for the women’s soccer tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics

On Saturday, August 3rd, the eight remaining teams in the women’s soccer tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics will be reduced to the four medal contenders once that day’s quarterfinals concludes.

Among the teams still standing are the United States Women’s National Team, who topped their group for only the second time at the Olympics, and will face off against Japan for the fourth time in an Olympics knockout match. Spain, the reigning Women’s World Cup champions, are looking to win their first Olympic gold medal. Meanwhile, the current gold medal holders, Canada, despite their 6 point deduction, made it through to knockout phase and will face the 2016 gold medalists, Germany. Also in the hunt are both South American sides: Brazil, who will be without Marta due to a red card suspension, and Colombia, who are hoping to advance to their first Olympic semifinal. Host France, buoyed by the goal-scoring of Marie-Antoinette Katoto, are still looking to win their first major championship.

In the United States, the only way to watch the quarterfinal matches live with English-language commentary is via streaming, either through Peacock (via subscription) or, if one has a multichannel service provider, then the NBC Sports app or NBCOlympics.com. However, all four quarterfinal matches will air live on Telemundo and Universo.

2024 Olympics: Match Day 3 Recap and Video Highlights

The final day of group play more-or-less went as expected, except for Marta earning a straight red for a reckless lunging kick that narrowly missed striking Spain’s Olga Carmona in the cheek.

France, thanks to Canada’s points deduction, the USA, and Spain all won their groups, while Canada, Germany, and Japan advanced as the runners-up in their respective groups. Colombia and Brazil advanced as the higher-ranked third-place teams. Australia, as the lowest third-ranked team, along with New Zealand, Zambia, and Nigeria were eliminated from the competition.

USWNT: The USA Will Play England At Wembley in November

On Tuesday, U.S. Soccer and The F.A. announced that the United States Women’s National Team will faces the Lionesses of England on Saturday, November 30th, at Wembley Stadium in London.

The USWNT will also play one other team in Europe during the same FIFA window. Switzerland will not be that team as they are England’s second opponent in that window.

The USA’s match against England will kick-off at 12:20 pm Eastern time (5:20 pm London time).

U.S. Soccer Press Release: U.S. Women’s National Team Will Face England at Famed Wembley Stadium on November 30

The F.A. Press Release: Sarina Wiegman’s side will play four friendlies from October to December, including a EURO 2022 final rematch

DroneGate: Canada’s 6 Point Deduction Upheld by CAS, FIFA Appeal Decision Published

On Wednesday, the Court of Arbitration for Sport issued a media release (PDF) stating that the appeal by Canada Soccer and the Canadian Olympic Committee “has been dismissed”.

Also on Wednesday, FIFA uploaded the 25-page decision of the FIFA Appeal Committee (PDF)* which outlines the evidence and reasoning of the Committee for its 6 points deduction against the Canadian WNT along with the other punishments, including the one year suspension of head coach Bev Priestman.

*While the cover letter of the document has a “28 July 2024” date, the “modified date” timestamp on the PDF file is “7/31/24, 7:00:32 AM”.

The FIFA decision includes evidence that has not been previously reported, including a March 2024 email from Bev Priestman that discusses “spying” against opponents with a Canada Soccer official (who is/was apparently involved in human resources).

2024 Olympics: Match Day 3 Advancement Scenarios

Going into the final six matches of the group stage in the women’s soccer tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympics, only the United States Women’s National Team and Spain have secured a spot in the knock-out phase. Six slots have yet to be determined and none of the other ten teams have been mathematically eliminated.

Please note that the following analysis is contingent on Canada’s 6 point deduction being upheld. FIFA’s decision has been appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and a ruling on the matter is expected on Wednesday, July 31st.

DroneGate Update: Canada Appeals Directly to the Court of Arbitration for Sport

On Monday, the Court of Arbitation for Sport issued a media release announcing that the Canada Soccer and the Canadian Olympic Committee had filed an appeal of the Canadian WNT’s 6 point deduction for the group stage of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Canada is seeking either a cancellation or at least a reduction of the points deduction.

A hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, July 30th, with a final decision expected “around midday” Paris time on Wednesday, July 31st.

2024 Olympics: Match Day 2 Recap and Video Highlights

The second day of group stage matches in the women’s soccer tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics was one to remember:

The USWNT had their best performances against Germany ever at an Olympics, defeating the two-time Women’s World Cup champions 4:1.
Japan had a 2:1 comeback victory against Brazil, which was capped by an awe-inspiring long-distance chip by second-half sub Momoko Tanikawa.
Canada is still in the hunt for a knock-out slot thanks to their 2:1 come-from-behind victory over host France, with the game-winning goal scored by Vanessa Gilles 12 minutes deep into second-half stoppage time.
Oh, And Australia came from three goals down in the second half to defeat Zambia 6:5!

DroneGate: Canada Hit With 6 Point Deduction, Bev Priestman Suspended by FIFA, More Spying Allegations

On Saturday, FIFA announced that that the Canadian Women’s National Team has been penalized with a 6 point deduction from their group standings at the 2024 Paris Olympics. In the same announcement, Canada Soccer was also fined CHF 200,000 (about $226,000 USD) and three members of the WNT’s staff were suspended from soccer-related activities for one year: Head coach Bev Priestman, performance analyst Joseph Lombardi, and assistant coach Jasmine Mander.

Also, TSN’s Rick Westhead has an article out that details additional allegations of spying by Canada’s WNT against the United States Women’s National Team and other women’s teams.

DroneGate: FIFA is on the Case, Bev Priestman Sent Home, and Evidence of ‘Previous Drone Use’

Wednesday evening, TSN’s senior correspondent, Rick Westhead, published an eye-opening article detailing past drone spying by the staff of the Canadian Women’s National Team that dates back to at least the (2021) Tokyo Summer Olympics, where Canada won gold.

The allegations in the article indicate that the drone spying against New Zealand could be a “tip of the iceberg” situation, and greatly increases the probability that Canada Soccer, Canada’s WNT, and some of the WNT’s coaching and support staff could be facing significant sanctions in the days and months to come.

Other news from Wednesday include the suspension of head coach Bev Priestman as well as an official statement from FIFA that its Disciplinary Committee has opened official investigations.