Australia’s hopes of securing a medal in women’s soccer at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris took a hit on Friday morning, after the Matildas were beaten 3-0 by a no-nonsense Germany.
In stifling heat at the Stade de Marseille, Tony Gustavsson’s side struggled to contend with a series of pin-point set pieces from the Germans, who scored three goals from their four shots on target.
The defeat means that Monday morning’s Group B encounter against Zambia in Nice for the Matildas has essentially become a must-win game.
Post-game, TV cameras panned to the Australian boss, who spoke with his players in a circle following the defeat – urging them to stay positive and not to dwell on the performance, given the fast-paced nature of the tournament.
The Germans, ranked fourth in the world, entered the clash with an unblemished record against the Matildas – and from the outset, their crisp first-touch and pace down the flanks sent a warning to everyone donning the green and gold.
Horst Hrubesch’s side eventually capitalised on this dominance in the 24th minute, when Marina Hegering rose to cleverly steer her header past outstretched Matildas ‘keeper Mackenzie Arnold into the bottom right hand corner of the net.
For Matildas supporters – either in the stands or nursing a cup of coffee back in Australia – the Germans, led by enterprising striker Jule Brand, were far from finished.
On the stroke of the hour mark, Brand played a delightful ball in the box to her teammate Lea Schüller, with her effort blocked by a nearby Australian defender.
However the Bayern Munich talent didn’t have to wait long to find the net.
Six minutes later, Giulia Gwinn whipped in a piercing corner, with a number of Matildas defenders gravitating towards striker Alexandra Popp.
With attention diverted elsewhere, Schüller was able to bob up relatively unmarked and smartly nod home from eight yards out.
Four minutes later, Brand – so often the provider to her teammates throughout the afternoon – was rewarded with a goal following a teasing pass across the six-yard-box by defender Sarai Linder, following a classy counter-attack move.
With a quarter of an hour left in the game, Gustavsson rang the changes in a bid to turn the tide – bringing on Michelle Heyman, Emily Van Egmond and Kaitlyn Torpey for Caitlin Foord, Hayley Raso and Steph Catley respectively.
This failed to deter the energetic Germans, who fought the game out as if they were the side trailing.
Elsewhere in Group B, the US convincingly defeated Zambia 3-0. They will play Germany on Monday morning in Marseille.
Rugby Sevens
Australia’s hopes of achieving its first men's rugby sevens medal at an Olympic Games remain alive, following their 18-0 men’s quarter final win over the US at a jam-packed Stade de France in Paris.
John Manenti’s side began the tournament in style, topping their pool with a 22-14 win over Argentina – a side which claimed the 2023-24 men’s SVNS title earlier this year.
Whenever the US attempted to gain a foothold in the game, poor handling errors let them down, with the Australians ensuring both the scoreline and clock remained in their favour.
Victory means that Manenti’s men will now take on gold medal favourites Fiji in the semi-finals, following their tense come-from-behind 19-14 overtime win over Ireland.
The quarter finals began in breathtaking fashion, with South Africa – the last team to qualify for this year's tournament – sensationally sending top seed New Zealand out 14-7 in a high-octane affair.
South Africa’s victory was attained by fierce defending, along with backing their kick-chase brand of attacking play, led by the speedy Selvyn Davids.
France, who didn’t qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, will take on the 'Blitzboks' in the other semi-final, after holding off Argentina 21-14.
‘Les Bleus’ raced out to a 21-0 half-time lead, which left the 70,000 strong crowd in raptures, however they were forced to dig deep in the closing stages as the visitors aimed to turn the tables.
Tennis
Australian Matthew Ebden will face Novak Djokovic in the first round of the men’s singles tournament on Saturday, while Rafael Nadal begins his singles campaign on Sunday against Marton Fucsovics of Hungary.
Basketball
Australian Opals forward Bec Anderson has been ruled out, after incurring a serious hamstring injury during their final warm-up 77-74 defeat against Canada earlier this week.
