Australia Women vs Zambia Women Prediction: Australia Women are favored to emerge victorious with a likely scoreline of 2-0 against Zambia Women in this Olympic clash.
The Allianz Riviera in Nice, France will host a crucial Group B encounter between Australia and Zambia in the Olympic women’s football tournament. Both teams are seeking redemption after opening match defeats, making this a pivotal fixture for their knockout stage aspirations.
Match Details
| Match | Australia Women’s National Football Team vs Zambia Women’s National Football Team |
| Competition | Olympics Women |
| Date | July 28, 2024 |
| Time | 17:00 UTC |
| Venue | Allianz Riviera (Nice) |
Match Preview
Both Australia and Zambia enter this match with their backs against the wall after suffering 3-0 defeats in their opening fixtures. The Matildas were outclassed by a strong German side, while Zambia struggled against the USA, conceding three early goals and playing most of the match with ten players.
Australia, ranked significantly higher than their opponents, will be eager to showcase their quality and get their Olympic campaign back on track. The likes of Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord will be crucial in breaking down the Zambian defense.
Zambia, despite their underdog status, showed resilience in the second half against the USA. They’ll be looking to build on that performance and potentially catch Australia off guard.
Projected Australia Women vs Zambia Women Lineups and Team News
Australia Women
The Matildas are hopeful that midfielder Tameka Yallop will return to the squad after missing the opener due to injury. Coach Tony Gustavsson may consider bringing Clare Wheeler into the starting eleven to partner Kyra Cooney-Cross in central midfield.
Despite conceding three goals against Germany, Gustavsson is likely to maintain faith in his back four of Ellie Carpenter, Alanna Kennedy, Clare Hunt, and Steph Catley.
Projected Australia Women Lineup (4-3-3):Vine, Cooney-Cross, Carpenter, Raso, Catley, Hunt, Kennedy, Arnold, Wheeler, Foord, Fowler
Zambia Women
Zambia faces a significant setback with the suspension of Pauline Zulu following her red card against the USA. Esther Muchinga is expected to fill the void in central defense alongside Lushomo Mweemba.
Avell Chitundu, who came on as a substitute in the previous match, is pushing for a starting role in this crucial encounter.
Projected Zambia Women Lineup (4-4-2): Mupopo, Chilufya, Muchinga, Chitundu, Tembo, Banda, Siamfuko, H Chanda, Kundananji, Musole, Mweemba
Key Players to Watch
Australia:
- Stephanie Catley: The defender’s experience and attacking contributions from the left flank could be vital.
- Sam Kerr: Australia’s talismanic striker will be hungry for goals after a quiet opener.
Zambia:
- Racheal Kundananji: The forward’s pace and creativity could trouble the Australian backline.
- Barbara Banda: Zambia’s captain and offensive lynchpin will need to be at her best to trouble the Matildas.
Head-to-Head and Recent Form
This will be the first-ever meeting between Australia and Zambia in women’s football.
Australia’s recent form: WWDWLL
Zambia’s recent form: WDLWDL
Group B Standings
- Germany: 3 points (+3 GD)
- USA: 3 points (+3 GD)
- Australia: 0 points (-3 GD)
- Zambia: 0 points (-3 GD)
Australia Women vs Zambia Women Live Streaming and TV Schedule (Where To Watch)
Here’s the broadcast information for some countries:
- USA: UNIVERSO, Peacock, NBC Sports App
- UK: discovery+, EuroSport Player UK, discovery+ App, EuroSport 2 UK
- Canada: CBC Sports App, cbcsports.ca
- Australia: Stan Sport, 9Now
- Germany: Eurosport Player Deutschland
- France: Eurosport Player France, MAX
- Spain: Eurosport Player Spain
Who Will Win?
While both teams are coming off defeats, Australia’s superior ranking and depth of talent give them a significant edge. Expect the Matildas to control possession and create numerous chances. Zambia will likely focus on defensive organization and look to counter-attack.
Australia Women vs Zambia Women Prediction: Australia 2-0 Zambia
The Matildas should have enough quality to secure a comfortable victory, but Zambia’s fighting spirit could make for an intriguing contest. This match is crucial for both sides’ hopes of progressing to the knockout stages, adding an extra layer of intensity to the encounter.
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