The group that features the American women (Group G) contains the USWNT, France, Colombia, and New Zealand.
Advertisement
Live stream – The game will be carried online via NBC’s Olympics website, which is free for users who have a cable subscription.
This contest – at 5pm CT on NBC Sports Network – will be the USWNT’s first game of their quest to repeat as Olympic gold medalists.
The U.S. had a handful of early chances and it all eventually culminated in a goal in the 9′ by Carli Lloyd, hitting a header despite tight marking from the New Zeand defense with a attractive ball served in from winger Tobin Heath.
New Zealand, playing in its third consecutive Olympics, barely threatened the U.S.at Mineirao, which holds more than 60,000 spectators.
It got off to a quick on start on that Wednesday when Lloyd, who scored the final goal in the last two Olympic competitions, scored the first for the U.S.in these Games just nine minutes into the competition. USA coach Jill Ellis even admitted.
Seeking a fourth straight Olympic gold (a third for Lloyd), the Americans are without New Jersey’s Christie Rampone because of injury, while Sydney Leroux and Amy Rodriguez are pregnant.
Just moments after entering the game, Press played a ball from the right side near the end line to the opposite side of the field for Heath, but her close range shot went wide.
‘Zika’ chants for Solo: U.S. goalie Hope Solo said she was not bothered by fans who chanted “Zika, Zika” at her during the game.
Among those getting their first taste is 18-year-old forward Mallory Pugh, who made her US debut in January and leads the team with seven assists this year.
The Americans are trying to become the first team to win the Olympics title after succeeding at the World Cup.
As the favorite to win the 2016 Rio Olympics, no one seriously believes the US faces any danger of missing out on advancing to the knockout round. Of course, there are going to be tough contenders, but honestly, not a single team intimidates me..
After scoring the gold-medal-winning goals at each of the last two Summer Olympics, what will Carli Lloyd do for an encore in Rio de Janeiro?
The Olympic tournament gives room for less because it is more stratified than the world Cup. “It has been a long time coming but we have the experience now to compete with the world’s best teams at big events”.
“One of the things that I really looked into is why has a repeat never been done”, said Ellis, whose team has lost once in its last 40 matches. France defeated Columbia 4-0 yesterday. Hosts Brazil will be Sweden’s next opponents at the Olympic Stadium on Saturday.
“We as a team acknowledge the pressure”, Solo said. “We know how hard it will be to be back-to-back winners”.
Advertisement
Rankings: The United States is ranked No. 1 in the world and has continued to dominate since its World Cup glory of a year ago. It doesnt make it easy.
