The USWNT got their 2024 Paris Olympics campaign off to a perfect start as they beat Zambia 3-0 in Nice to go joint-top of Group B.
Emma Hayes’ first game in charge of the USWNT at a major tournament started very well as after hitting the crossbar twice early, Trinity Rodman scored a beauty and Mallory Swanson scored twice in a minute as the four-time Olympic champs led 3-0 with 25 minutes on the clock.
Pauline Zulu was then sent off for Zambia in the first half and the USWNT created so many chances but Zambia, much to their credit, always had a threat on the counter and dug deep defensively as they saw out the entire second half without conceding again.
The USWNT now face Germany in Marseille on Sunday (July 28) at 3pm ET in a huge game as the Germans beat Australia 3-0 in their Olympic opener.
Hayes will be happy enough but a few concerns linger for USWNT
This was all about getting the job done against a dangerous Zambia side and the U.S. did that early. Then they could chill, but perhaps they relaxed a bit too much for Emma Hayes’ liking. In the first half the attacking trio of Rodman, Swanson and Smith ripped Zambia apart and with the experience of the marauding skipper Lindsey Horan (two assists) and Rose Lavelle in midfield, the USWNT pinned Zambia in. With the red card for Zambia the game then became a bit scrappier, the U.S. made plenty of subs and Smith coming off after suffering an ankle injury is hopefully just a precaution as she was missed in the second half. Hayes will not be delighted with the second half display as Zambia dug deep, had some chances on the break and the USWNT were wasteful in attack. But all in all this was exactly the victory the USWNT needed to set themselves up for two huge tests against Germany and Australia to finish up Group B. On this showing you’d say that Germany could make the most of the chances the USWNT gave Zambia and if that happens then top spot in the group is definitely up for grabs. Still, this new-look USWNT side also showed they can blow opponents away when they’re fit, on form and in-sync like they were in the first 30 minutes.
How to watch USWNT vs Zambia live, stream link and start time
Kick off: 3pm ET, Thursday (July 25)
Location: Nice
TV Channel: USA Network
Online: Watch via Peacock
USWNT vs Zambia final score: 3-0
Rodman 17', Swanson 24', 25'
USWNT vs Zambia live updates! - By Joe Prince-Wright
Full time: USWNT 3-0 Zambia
An easy win for the USWNT and all of the hard work was done early on. The second half was a bit of a non event as Hayes’ side managed the situation but Zambia dug deep and deserve plenty of credit.
Zambia almost got a consolation
Banda leads the counter and plays in Kundananji who has a shot on goal but Krueger is covering from the left and gets a crucial block in. Brilliant defending. And once again, fair play to Zambia for this gutsy second half display.
Dunn should make it 4-0
Brilliant cross from the left from Krueger and Dunn heads wide at the back post from a few yards out. She can’t believe she missed that.
Fair play to Zambia in the second half
The U.S. keep creating chances but they aren’t as plentiful in the second half. Emily Fox sees an effort blocked at the Zambian defense has thrown themselves in front of so many efforts. You wouldn’t think Zambia were down a player and Emma Hayes might be a little disappointed with this second half.
Rodman, Swanson go close
Trinity Rodman has a smile on her face as she curls a lovely effort just wide of the far post. Moments later Swanson fires just over. USWNT are well on top again.
Chances at both end
Musole saves at the near post, while at the other end Kundananji has a shot from distance which Naeher saves easily. The 10 players of Zambia are doing a much better job of keeping the USWNT away from their goal but the U.S. are predictably dominating possession.
Korbin Albert is on for the second half
The 20-year-old is on for her Olympic debut. She replaces Rose Lavelle in midfield.
Half time: USWNT 3-0 Zambia
16 shots and six shots on goal for the USA. Three of those attempts have gone in with Trinity Rodman scoring a beauty and Mallory Swanson netting a quickfire double. Pauline Zulu was sent off to make matters worse for Zambia. Horan has two assists and the USWNT are flying, although an injury to Sophia Smith will be a concern for Emma Hayes.
Trinity Rodman heads wide; Mupopo goes close
After she did so well to win a free kick out wide with a stunning solo run, Rodman heads the free kick wide. She should score. A free header six yards out. At the other end Mupopo races free but her shot down low is saved by Naeher.
Lynn Williams on for Smith
Sophia Smith has been subbed off before half time. She went down holding her ankle and needed treatment. Lynn Williams is on.
Pretty cool stat alert
According to Opta those two goals from Mal Swanson, just 66 seconds apart, are the fastest-ever double by a USWNT player at a major tournament.
Red card for Pauline Zulu as things go from bad to worse for Zambia
After a free kick is given on the edge of the box, Pauline Zulu, just 21 years old, is sent off after a VAR review. It looked like there was a covering defender but the referee decided otherwise and has sent Zulu off.
Mallory Swanson scores twice in a minute - USWNT 2-0 Zambia... and now USWNT 3-0 Zambia
Two calm finishes from Swanson in less than a minute has the USWNT in a commanding position.
MALLORY SWANSON SCORED TWO GOALS IN BARELY A MINUTE. 🤯
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) July 25, 2024
📺 USA Network & Peacock | #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/Dnx2xioNTC
Trinity Rodman puts the USWNT ahead! - USWNT 1-0 Zambia
Lovely play from Smith to start the attack down the left and Horan feeds the ball through perfectly to Rodman. She turns deftly and slots home. Trinity Rodman scores in her first-ever Olympic game and that was coming.
THE USWNT IS OFF AND RUNNING. 🇺🇸
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) July 25, 2024
Trinity Rodman with a tidy turn and finish to open the scoring against Zambia! #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/yyorSnoMSD
Swanson’s header hits the bar and Zambia are defending so well
The USWNT hit the crossbar again! This time through Swanson’s header, then Horan’s rebound is headed away off the line before a shot is pushed wide for a corner. This is pretty heroic defending from Zambia. How are the U.S. not ahead!?
Banda has a chance on the break but is offside
Okay, there we go. Zambia played Barbra Banda in on the break and her shot is straight at Naeher. The offside flag went up but that is exactly the kind of chance Zambia are hoping to create for their captain and superstar.
Rodman hits the crossbar, Dunn goes close as pressure builds
A cross comes in from the right and Trinity Rodman lifts a shot over the advancing Musole but the ball hits the bar and bounces clear. Crystal Dunn then drills a shot wide. Zambia really struggling to hold on. USWNT are creating plenty of chances and with 10 minutes gone they are dominant. Zambia can’t keep the ball.
USA continuing to probe
Zambia had one dangerous free kick which the U.S. cleared and have managed to wrestle back a bit of control. But the USWNT still look so dangerous every time they get the ball wide.
Horan almost scores inside 60 seconds
We’re underway in Nice and it was almost the perfect start for the USA. A cross came in to the near post and captain Horan poked the ball inches wide. That looked like it was in.
USWNT lineup
Naeher; Dunn, Davidson, Girma, Fox; Coffey, Lavelle; Smith, Horan, Rodman; Swanson
Zambia lineup
Musole; Tembo, Mweemba, Zulu, Siamfuko; Chilufya; Kundananji, H. Chanda, G. Chanda, Banda; Mupopo
USWNT focus, team news
Lindsey Horan is the captain of the USWNT and this is now her team. Her driving runs from midfield will be key and set the tone for the U.S. in this tournament. Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson and Sophia Smith will all look to get plenty of goals and get off and running for the Olympics. While Rose Lavelle, Emily Sonnett, Crystal Dunn and Alyssa Naeher have key roles to play as the veterans on this very young USWNT side. The main piece of injury news ahead of this game is young forward Jaedyn Shaw (19) is out with an injury and Croix Bethune has replaced her in the roster.
Forward Jaedyn Shaw (leg injury) is unavailable for the match against Zambia and will be replaced on today's 18-player roster by alternate Croix Bethune.
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) July 25, 2024
Zambia focus, team news
Everything revolves around Banda and giving the superstar the best possible opportunity to finish half chances but there are other players that American soccer fans will be familiar with. Banda’s forward partner Racheal Kundananji plays for Bay FC in the NWSL and has scored six goals in seven games for Zambia, while Grace Chanda will join Banda at the Orlando Pride after the Olympics as she makes the move from Spain’s top-flight where she’s been playing for Madrid CFF.
USWNT vs Zambia prediction
It’s tough to predict anything other than a blowout win for the USWNT but given their shaky form heading into this tournament, it may not be as routine as most people think. USWNT 3-0 Zambia.
USWNT vs Zambia preview
The expectations are high from the outside but perhaps among the U.S. fanbase and from Hayes herself there is a bit more realism. The USWNT have been handed a tough group stage draw with Australia and Germany to come after this opener against Zambia. Anything other than a resounding win against Zambia will put the USWNT in a tough spot. Hayes has already made some big calls with the players she’s left off this roster and the new style of play she is ushering in will take time.
As for Zambia, well, they’re on the up and one player sums up their team: Barbra Banda. With 53 goals in 60 international games the Orlando Pride striker is one of the best forwards on the planet. Zambia reached the 2023 World Cup last summer but were hammered 5-0 by both Spain and Japan in the group stage before beating Costa Rica 3-1. They beat Morocco to reach this tournament, which is just their second-ever Olympics after qualifying for 2020, and will be dangerous with Banda around. But make no mistake about it, the USWNT are heavy favorites to win big.