The Olympic Games, which celebrate athletic excellence and international unity every four years, is almost upon us once more.
Football, or soccer as it’s more commonly called here in Australia, has been a key part of the Olympics since 1900 for men and 1996 for women.
It showcases skill, teamwork, and national spirit on a global stage.
As we inch closer to the Paris 2024 Olympics progress, here’s everything you need to know in regards to Australia, football and the Olympics…
How is Australia doing at the Paris 2024 Olympics in football?
Game 2: Australia vs Zambia (Day 2: 28th July)
The Matildas staged a thrilling comeback to defeat Zambia 6-5 in a Group B match at the Stade de Nice. Michelle Heyman scored the 90th-minute winner in an 11-goal spectacle.
Emily van Egmond replaced Cortnee Vine in the lineup, while Zambia’s Barbra Banda opened the scoring in the second minute. Alanna Kennedy and Hayley Raso each scored, with Zambia leading 4-2 at halftime.
Substitutes Heyman, Kaitlyn Torpey, and Clare Wheeler made an immediate impact. Australia equalized with a penalty from Steph Catley before Heyman’s late winner. The Matildas face the USA on August 1 for a place in the quarter-finals.
Game 1: Australia vs Germany (25th July)
The Matildas faced a tough 3-0 defeat against world number four Germany at the Stade de Marseille in their opening match of the Paris 2024 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament. Germany took the lead with a first-half goal from Marina Hegering, who nodded home a corner from Giulia Gwinn. In the second half, Germany extended their lead with goals from Lea Schüller and Jule Brand, sealing the victory.
Several Matildas made their Olympic debuts, including defender Clare Hunt and forward Cortnee Vine, while Katrina Gorry returned to the Games after an eight-year absence. Australia started positively, creating early opportunities and earning two corners in the first 10 minutes. Despite their spirited start, Germany capitalised on their chances and took control of the game.
Tony Gustavsson’s side continued to push forward, with Ellie Carpenter and Hayley Raso probing the German defence. Substitutes Clare Wheeler and Sharn Freier also made their Olympic debuts and added fresh energy to the attack. However, Germany’s disciplined defence and clinical finishing proved too strong.
Australia will aim to regroup and bounce back in their second Group B match against Zambia at the Stade de Nice. The Matildas will be determined to secure a positive result and keep their Olympic hopes alive.
Who’s on the Australian Olympics team for football this year?
The women’s team, The Matildas, are officially heading to the Olympics this year. On the team are:
- Stephanie Catley
- Emily van Egmond
- Mackenzie Arnold
- Ellie Carpenter
- Caitlin Foord
- Alanna Kennedy
- Clare Polkinghorne
- Tameka Yallop
- Katrina Gorry
- Cortnee Vine
- Clare Hunt
- Kaitlyn Torpey
- Clare Wheeler
- Hayley Raso
- Kyra Cooney-Cross
- Teagan Micah
- Michelle Heyman
- Mary Fowler
Sadly, due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), Matildas Captain Sam Kerr will not compete at the games this year.
Tony Gustavsson will be the head coach of the Australian team for the Paris Olympics.
As for the men’s team, The Olyroos, they failed to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
How many Olympic medals has Australia won previously for football?
Sadly, Australia has never won an Olympic medal for football. The closest we ever got was in 1992 where the men’s team just missed out on Bronze after losing to Ghana, 0-1.
