Group C: Resilient Japan stun Brazil

Mon, 29 Jul, 2024

Group C: Resilient Japan stun Brazil

Paris: Japan came back from a goal down to defeat Brazil 2-1 in their Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 Group B tie at the Parc des Princes on Sunday.

Substitute Jheniffer put Brazil ahead in the 56th minute but Japan came back fighting with captain Saki Kumagai equalising from the spot two minutes into second half added time before Momoko Tanikawa hit the dramatic winner six minutes later.

Japan will meet Nigeria in their final group game with Brazil taking on Spain in the other fixture.

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Ikeda urges Japan to refocus

Fri, 26 Jul, 2024

Ikeda urges Japan to refocus

Nantes: Head coach Futoshi Ikeda immediately turned his attention to the next challenge after his Japan side fell to a 2-1 defeat in their opening Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 Group C match on Thursday.

Despite going ahead through Aoba Fujino’s spectacular free-kick, Japan were pegged back by Aitana Bonmati’s strike before Mariona Caldentey found the winner for reigning world champions Spain.

Explaining his tactics, Ikeda admitted caution was a big part of the strategy but now wants a complete shift of focus as they look to get points on the board in the remaining two matches. 

Matildas will bounce back, vows Gustavsson

Sun, 28 Jul, 2024

Matildas will bounce back, vows Gustavsson

Marseille: Head coach Tony Gustavsson admitted that Australia were outclassed following their 3-0 defeat to Germany in Group B of the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 on Thursday.

Set-pieces were a thorn in the Matildas’ side, with Germany scoring twice from headed corners before sealing victory with a second half tap-in from Juli Brand.

Group B: Australia concede to Germany

Fri, 26 Jul, 2024

Group B: Australia concede to Germany

Marseille: Australia fought hard but succumbed to a 3-0 defeat against Germany in Group B of the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 at the Stade de Marseille on Thursday.

Marina Hegering’s towering header separated the sides going into the break before goals from Lea Schuller and Jule Brand sealed the win for Germany.

Australia face a must-win game against Zambia on Sunday to revive their campaign with Germany to play the United States on Matchday Two.

Group C: Japan denied by Spain

Fri, 26 Jul, 2024

Group C: Japan denied by Spain

Nantes: Japan put up a strong resistance but it wasn’t enough as they were defeated 2-1 by Spain in their opening Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 Group C encounter at La Beaujoire Stadium on Thursday.

It was 4-0 to Japan when the  teams met in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 but the Nadeshiko had to play second fiddle in this game and now face a real fight to reach the next round of the competition.

Iwabuchi confident of Japan, Australia’s chances

Thu, 18 Jul, 2024

Iwabuchi confident of Japan, Australia’s chances

Kuala Lumpur: Mana Iwabuchi believes that both Japan and Australia have the pedigree to finish on the podium at the Paris Olympics, provided they play their cards right.

Having played a part in helping Japan win the silver medal at London 2012, Iwabuchi knows a thing or two on what’s required to win a medal in the global showpiece.

The former Bayern Munich and Arsenal player feels Japan’s familiarity could be a crucial factor as 15 of the 18 players brought to Paris were also part of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023.

Australia's Gustavsson bullish despite Kerr's absence

Mon, 22 Jul, 2024

Australia's Gustavsson bullish despite Kerr's absence

Kuala Lumpur: Tony Gustavsson says Australia could compensate for the loss of talismanic captain Sam Kerr at the Olympic Games with greater tactical flexibility as his squad look to overcome the loss of the AFC Women’s Player of the Year to win the country’s first-ever football medal.

The Matildas are seeking a podium spot at the Paris Games after a fourth-place finish in Tokyo in 2021 but will go into the campaign without Kerr after the Chelsea striker injured her anterior cruciate ligament in January.

Gustavsson, however, is encouraged by his side’s performance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand last year, when his team also reached the semi-finals despite missing Kerr for much of the tournament due to a calf injury.

Know the Asian Coaches - Women's Tournament

Tue, 16 Jul, 2024

Know the Asian Coaches - Women's Tournament

Kuala Lumpur: Asia's bid to win medals in the Paris Olympics Women's Football Tournament will be led by two vastly experienced head coaches.

Sweden's Tony Gustavsson will plot Australia's challenge while Futoshi Ikeda will lead Japan.