Insights

In their opening match of the Paris 2024 Olympics, the U.S. women's soccer team showcased a commanding performance, defeating Zambia 3-0. The Americans outshot their opponents 27-7, although only eight of those attempts were on target. Mallory Swanson emerged as a standout player, scoring two goals within a minute, with the first coming in the 17th minute after a clever setup by Sophia Smith. Swanson's second goal followed shortly after, further solidifying the U.S. lead. The match saw Zambia's struggles compounded by a red card issued to Pauline Zulu in the 33rd minute, leaving the team with ten players for the remainder of the game. Zulu was visibly emotional as she exited the field, highlighting the challenges faced by the Zambian squad. Despite the setback, U.S. forward Swanson acknowledged the need for improvement, emphasizing the importance of refining their gameplay as the tournament progresses. Earlier in the tournament, Canada and Spain secured victories against New Zealand and Japan, respectively, while host nation France triumphed over Colombia. Germany also made a strong statement with a 3-0 win against Australia. The U.S. women's team, eager to redeem themselves after a disappointing exit in the last World Cup, is set to face Germany next, with hopes of advancing to the knockout stage. Head coach Emma Hayes expressed a mix of satisfaction and a desire for further growth, indicating that the team is focused on building momentum as they continue their Olympic campaign.