The Moments That Defined The Tokyo Olympics
The 2020 Tokyo Olympics is definitely one to go down in history. After being postponed a year due to COVID, the athletes had to stay at the top of their game during a year-long quarantine. So, the Olympic Games finally happening was what these athletes, and the world, needed. This Olympic women’s soccer tournament certainly had some amazing moments, and some unexpected ones. Records were broken, and teams and players made history. Here’s a look at the moments that defined these Olympic Games.
The USWNT’s Unexpected Journey to the Bronze Medal
Shockingly, the USWNT started their Olympic run losing to Sweden 0-3. The talk of the sports world was about how a team that had won the Women’s World Cup could lose so poorly and break their 44-game unbeaten streak in their first match of the Olympics.
Despite the USWNT’s rough start, they did come back to defeat New Zealand 6-1 in their second match. But after their big win, they went on to have a disappointing tie against Australia. Even though the USWNT made it through to the knockout rounds, there was still much criticism following their performance.
In the quarterfinals, the USWNT scrapped their way to a huge win in penalty kicks over the Netherlands, one of their biggest rivals. Coming off a big win to advance to the semifinals, they fell short to Canada, losing 0-1.
View this post on Instagram
Although this was not the outcome the team was hoping for, they still had work to do to earn the bronze medal. They absolutely understood their assignment and definitely did not disappoint, beating Australia 4-3. Ultimately, the USWNT brought home bronze and overcame their rocky start. Despite their unexpected Tokyo Olympics run, they still proved to be one of the best in the world.
Barbra Banda’s Outstanding Hat Tricks for Zambia
Underdogs Zambia was the only African team to participate in the Olympics women’s soccer tournament, and it was the first time the team has competed at the Olympics.
Captain Barbra Banda led Zambia to an awesome Olympic debut and proved that her team was not afraid of playing on the world’s largest stage. In their match against the Netherlands, the 21-year-old captain made Zambian history after scoring the team’s first-ever Olympic goal.
?? First player to score consecutive hat-tricks in women's #OlympicFootball
⏲️ This time yesterday Zambia's Barbra Banda was about to set a new milestone
? Get to know this brand new star of women's football @Copper_Queens | #Olympics | #Football
? https://t.co/nNxO0rUkkh pic.twitter.com/4nfQRfHr5t
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 25, 2021
As if scoring their first goal wasn’t enough, she went on to score two more, becoming the first African woman in history to score a hat trick at the Olympics. Adding to her success, she netted a second hat trick in their match against China. Although Zambia did not make it through to the quarterfinals, the world definitely has its eye on Zambia and Barbra Banda.
Canada’s First-Ever Olympic Gold Medal Win
CANADA WINS OLYMPIC GOLD!
The women's soccer team are Olympic champions for the first time ever ?
(via @NBCOlympics)pic.twitter.com/7I5P1QqSkh
— espnW (@espnW) August 6, 2021
The final showdown was set as Canada faced Sweden in the gold medal match. It was a back and forth match between two powerhouse teams. For the first time in Olympic history, the gold medal match was decided by penalty kicks. Even more exciting, Canada won its first-ever Olympic gold medal. Additionally, Sweden has won their second silver medal in back-to-back Olympic appearances.
The best thing about sports is the unpredictable outcomes. Everyone has their predictions on who is the best in the world and who will walk out on top, but these Olympic Games had way more factors that affected the outcome of the games. Yet, despite all challenges, the Tokyo Olympics saw history made and countless broken records. Now, these Olympic medalists will return to their countries and continue to dominate day in and day out.
Featured image via @TeamCanada on Twitter
_
GIRLS SOCCER NETWORK: YOUR SOURCE FOR GIRLS SOCCER NEWS
Girls Soccer Network
Your source for girls soccer news
