The United States women’s national team are off to a flying start in the Olympics with a 3-0 victory against Zambia followed by a 4-1 masterclass vs. Germany. The USWNT have already secured a place in the quarterfinals.
As crazy as it sounds, some fans will be hoping they lose their final group stage game to finish second in the group.
Who would ever want that?? We’ll explain.
With only 12 teams competing in the women’s soccer tournament the format is a little odd with the top two teams advancing out of groups along with two third-place teams.
The knockout bracket is set up in a way where the USWNT will face a group runner-up in the quarterfinals if they finish first in their group OR second.
The USWNT are in Group B.
USWNT Olympic scenarios for quarterfinals
The USWNT finishing first in Group B means a quarterfinal match-up vs. Japan, Brazil or even Spain. Three incredibly tough opponents with Spain being the worst-case scenario.
The USWNT finishing second in Group B means a quarterfinal match-up vs. Colombia, France or possibly Canada. Three teams the USWNT will be the favorite against.
It’s worth noting that with how well the USWNT are playing they are confident in beating anyone in this tournament. The 4-1 victory vs. Germany was the best the team has looked against a top opponent since their World Cup triumph in 2019.
Through two games at the Olympics the United States have six points and a +6 goal difference (seven scored, once conceded).
Even if head coach Emma Hayes wanted the U.S. to finish second, her side would need to lose to Australia by a decent margin and need Germany to run up the score against Zambia for a 6-goal swing in the standings.
We can’t say we foresee that happening.
The USWNT’s group stage finale against Australia is on Wednesday at 1 p.m. ET.
