The time of waiting and wondering will soon come to an end for all sports fans as Paris opens its gates this week to formally start the much-anticipated Olympics 2024.
It will yet be another fortnight of the most elite athletes of our time vying for immortality across their respective sports.
For women’s football, the favourites to win gold will all hope to get off the right foot, for there is little margin for error, and losing a game can spell the difference between advancing to the next round or going home.
Spain vs Japan
As of writing, there are no better women’s football team on this planet than Spain. Led by Ballon d’Or winners Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati, Spain are looking to quench their Olympic thirst.
Aside from Putellas and Bonmati, Spain are loaded with quality. But then again, you should expect no less from the defending World Cup and Nations League champions.
Irene Paredes and Olga Carmona are world-class defenders, with the latter scoring La Roja’s World Cup-winning goal. Teresa Abelleira, Jenni Hermoso, Alba Redondo, Salma Paralluelo, and Lucia Garcia are some other names that Spain can rely on. All of which are championship-calibre players hell-bent on delivering La Roja to Olympic glory.
But before all else, they must first pass a tough test in their opening game on 25 July against a very strong Japanese side. Whilst Spain are the favourites going in, the Nadeshiko upsetting the Olympics 2024 betting odds aren’t too far off the list.
Lest we forget, Japan were the only team to beat Spain in last year’s World Cup. And it wasn’t a game where Spain dominated and Japan got fortunate with a late winner—it was 4-0, an utter domination.
Central to their Olympic run is 2023 Golden Boot winner Hinata Miyazawa. Yui Hasegawa, Riko Ueki, and Mina Tanaka—all of whom were present in the 2023 drubbing of Spain—will also be there to boosNew Zeat their chances of getting out of the group stages.
As attractive as it seems to put cash on the 2011 World Cup winners, it’d be wise to side with Spain on this one. This would be their fifth meeting, and barring that 4-0 win, Spain have been the dominant side.
Look for them to open their account in Paris with a resounding victory.
Betting Tip: 1X2 Spain @ 1.50
Canada vs New Zealand
The reigning champions have a mountain to climb en route to defending their crown in Paris. To start their title defence, Bev Priestman’s crew have New Zealand in front of their sights.
Ranked 28th in the world, the Football Ferns are eager to cause an upset and look to snatch a win right under Canada’s noses.
Having qualified in the last four Olympics, New Zealand are no stranger in the big stages. But I’m afraid their experience would count very little against the Canucks. Out of their total 11 matches played, Canada have won nine whilst two of which ended in a stalemate.
And New Zealand aren’t stealing a win from Canada anytime soon. Despite Canada not being favoured to repeat, they have enough ammunition to dispose of the Football Ferns. Expect Jordyn Huitema, Jessie Fleming, and Vanessa Gilles to lead Canada home on Thursday.
Betting Tip: 1X2 Canada @ 1.25
United States vs Zambia
If you are a stranger to SBOTOP women’s football, then you may dismiss this match as nothing out of the ordinary. But I guarantee you, tune in, and witness an abundance of Olympics 2024 highlights come your way.
Zambia, or the Copper Queens, play with a style predicated on goals—lots and lots of them. Their two-pronged attack in front consist of elite scorers: Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji. Kundananji had 24 goals to her name, whilst Banda already have 12 goals and five assists playing for Orlando Pride.
Banda’s Orlando teammate, Grace Chanda, is a competent midfielder and can put goals in when needed. Meanwhile, their defence fall on the hands of Martha Tembo and Margaret Blemu.
With their attacking prowess, Zambia are looking to turn their second Olympic run to a success. But as exciting and enticing as they are, the United States will run through them like a battering ram against a dilapidated door.
The Stars and Stripes are just too experienced and possess too much quality for Zambia’s attack to be of any threat. Sure, they may concede a goal or two, but for them to lose is far from happening. It would take a monumental effort that the African team wouldn’t be able to muster. They are an exciting team, regardless.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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