Olympics: Semi-Final Soccer Showdown

The semifinal stage at the Olympics is finally set with two amazing matches set to happen in hours!  The USWNT survived against Holland in a shootout similar to their opponents Canada who beat Brazil the same way. The other semifinal features two surprises in different ways. Sweden has been dominant so far and dispatched of the hosts Japan. Their opponent is the Matildas, a team that just upset Great Britain and have their eyes on a medal as well. Here’s a preview on the semifinal matches at the Olympics. There’s bound to be fireworks.

USWNT vs Canada

As always Canada vs the USWNT will have excitement because of the geographic location of these countries. While the Americans have always handled Canada, the Canadians seem to play their best at the Olympics. With the USA having knocked out Canada in previous years, the Canadians will likely have revenge on their mind.

The USWNT is not playing their best but that does not matter as long as they find a way to advance. Holland posed a tougher threat than Canada what will bring in attack. Of course, players like Christine Sinclair will always be a factor and Evelyne Viens can take her chances if given the opportunity. With how the competition has gone, expect Canada to make life difficult for the USWNT.

The focus for the Americans has to be their defense because Alyssa Naeher has done her part, the USWNT might not be in this spot if it weren’t for her. While Canada will pack things in defensively, the USA will create chances through set pieces or open play depending on the flow of the game. Unlike the quarterfinals, expect Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe to be in the starting lineup with either Press or Heath in the last spot up top in a 4-3-3. The rest of the team should remain unchanged. This group has seen a lot of Canada compared to the other teams thanks to being in CONCACAF together, they should not have as much trouble as they’ve been having this tournament to win. However, as we’ve seen at these Olympics and sports in general, anything is possible.

Australia vs Sweden

This is such a tough matchup to call because this is a true style clash. All-out attack meets a more defensive outfit, or an unstoppable force meets an immovable object. Sweden has handled their role as one of the favorites well, they took care of the hosts, Japan, 3-1 in the last round. It’s tempting to take the Matildas who have never made it this far and they shocked everyone after beating Great Britain 4-3 in a thriller.

That’s the kind of game they’ll have to make is against, the Aussies must use their offensive pressure to put the Swedes in tough situations. However, that’s what makes the Swedes so good, if they aren’t phased by what the USWNT is bringing at them then they shouldn’t be worried about the Australians outside of Sam Kerr. A rematch with the USWNT is what Sweden will want along with everyone else watching from an American perspective. Both teams have given the USWNT a tough match and take nothing away from the Aussies. However, in all likelihood, we can expect a rematch between the USWNT and Sweden in the Olympic Final, with the Gold Medal on the line.