New Zealand Women vs Colombia Women Prediction: Based on recent form and the teams’ performances in their opening matches, Colombia appears to have a slight edge, with a predicted 2-1 victory over New Zealand in what promises to be a closely contested Olympic encounter.
The Olympic women’s football tournament continues as New Zealand and Colombia prepare to face off in a pivotal Group A encounter. Both teams are seeking their first points after opening match defeats, making this a must-win game for their knockout stage aspirations.
Match Details
| Match | New Zealand Women Nationla Football Team vs Colombia Women National Football Team |
| Competition | Olympics Women |
| Date | July 28, 2024 |
| Time | 3:00 PM UTC |
| Venue | Groupama Stadium (Décines-Charpieu) |
Match Preview
Both New Zealand and Colombia enter this match with urgency after suffering defeats in their opening fixtures. The Football Ferns fell 2-1 to Canada despite taking an early lead through Mackenzie Barry. Colombia, in their Olympic debut, showed resilience in a 3-2 loss to hosts France, mounting a second-half comeback that fell just short.
New Zealand’s preparation for the tournament was marred by controversy when a drone, operated by Canadian staff, disrupted their training session. The incident, which led to an apology and the dismissal of two Canadian team members, added an unexpected element of tension to the Ferns’ Olympic campaign.
Colombia’s spirited performance against France, particularly in the second half, will give them confidence heading into this crucial encounter. Their ability to score twice against a strong French side demonstrates their attacking potential, even in the absence of the suspended Ramirez.
Team News and Projected New Zealand Women vs Colombia Women Lineups
New Zealand
The Football Ferns have been dealt a blow with the absence of experienced defender Ali Riley, who withdrew from the Olympics due to injury just before their opener. Michaela Foster has been called up as her replacement, while Grace Neville joins the alternate list.
Acting head coach Michael Mayne may consider changes to his forward line, with Jacqui Hand pushing for a starting berth.
Projected New Zealand lineup (4-3-3): Stott, Hand, Barry, Taylor, Jale, Bowen, Kitching, Bott, Steinmetz, Riley, Leat
Colombia
Las Cafeteras will be forced into at least one change due to the suspension of forward Mayra Ramirez, who received a late red card against France. Manuela Pavi, who came on as a halftime substitute in the opener, is likely to step into the attacking trio.
Projected Colombia lineup (4-3-3): Restrepo, Montoya, Carabali, Pavi, Santos, D. Arias, Caicedo, Tapia, Usme, C. Arias, Vanegas
Injury Updates and Unavailable Players
New Zealand:
- Ali Riley (defender): Withdrawn from the Olympics due to injury
- Michaela Foster (defender): Called up as a replacement for Ali Riley
Colombia:
- Mayra Ramirez (forward): Suspended for this match due to a red card
Key Players to Watch
New Zealand: Mackenzie Barry The goalscorer from their opening match, Barry’s composure and finishing ability could be crucial in a game where chances may be at a premium.
Colombia: Linda Caicedo The talented young forward will be expected to lead Colombia’s attack and create opportunities in Ramirez’s absence.
Head-to-Head
The teams have met five times previously, with their most recent encounters coming in friendly matches in December 2023. Colombia won one of those games 1-0, while the other ended in a goalless draw.
Who Will Win?
Both teams will be desperate for a win to keep their knockout stage hopes alive. New Zealand’s home advantage and Colombia’s attacking flair could lead to an entertaining, closely-fought match. Given Colombia’s impressive showing against France and New Zealand’s recent struggles, a narrow victory for Las Cafeteras seems likely.
New Zealand Women vs Colombia Women Prediction: New Zealand 1-2 Colombia
Where to Watch
The match will be broadcast on various channels worldwide. Here are the live stream and TV schedules for some top-tier countries:
- United States: fuboTV, nbcsports.com, NBC Sports App, Peacock, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, Telemundo
- United Kingdom: discovery+, EuroSport Player UK, discovery+ App
- Canada: CBC Sports App, cbcsports.ca
- Australia: Stan Sport, 9Now
- France: Eurosport Player France, MAX
- Germany: Eurosport Player Deutschland
- Spain: Eurosport Player Spain
- Italy: Eurosport Player Italy, Eurosport Italy
Olympic Group A Standings
- France – 3 points
- Colombia – 0 points
- New Zealand – 0 points
- Canada – -3 points (6 points deducted)
This match presents a golden opportunity for both teams to kickstart their Olympic campaigns. With the pressure on and everything to play for, fans can expect an intense and competitive encounter in Lyon.
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