Canada claimed gold in Tokyo three years ago but there are some quality sides out to take that crown at Paris 2024…
Only eight nations remain in the 2024 Olympic women's football tournament after the group stage concluded on Wednesday, with the four teams that will be competing for medals to be known after Saturday's quarter-finals take place.
Zambia, New Zealand, Australia and Nigeria were the four teams eliminated from the Games this week, with world champion Spain, South American champion Brazil and Olympic champion Canada all still standing as the knockout stage prepares to begin.
With three matches played, there's much more to go off when it comes to analyzing which teams look best-equipped to win gold later this month. So, who will it be? GOAL ranks the contenders for the podium at Paris 2024…
Getty Images8Colombia ⬇️
Colombia will hopefully be boosted in the knockout rounds by the returns of both Catalina Usme, from injury, and Mayra Ramirez, from suspension, both of whom help to form one of the most dangerous frontlines on show at the Olympics.
That said, even though the South American nation has impressed in spells at this tournament, it's tough to see it having the ability to beat Spain, the world champion, in its quarter-final. With players like Usme, Ramirez and Linda Caicedo, La Roja will need to watch out, but it is a tough ask for a nation that is still so inexperienced at the highest level.
AdvertisementGetty Images7Brazil ⬇️
Brazil has shown both good and bad things through this Olympics, and that was exactly the case again in its final group-stage match. The Selecao was doing a decent job against Spain, causing the World Cup winner some problems on the counter and keeping it out in defense, until a high foot from Marta, its iconic captain, reduced the team to 10.
Not only did Brazil go on to lose that game, thus confirming it would finish as a best third-placed team and get this tough quarter-final draw against host France, it will also be without Marta for the clash. That's a big blow for a huge game.
Getty Images6Canada ⬆️
Against all odds, Canada has made it through to the quarter-finals. The reigning Olympic champion was deducted six points during the group stage after recording an opposition training session with a drone, but the players did brilliantly to keep the noise out, focus on the task at hand and win all three matches to top Group A.
Despite that feat, the draw is still a tricky one, as it is Germany next up. There is a feeling that perhaps Canada will run out of steam, that all that should be dragging the team down will eventually do so. Yet, there is also a sense of unbreakable determination among this group which could continue to take it even further in this tournament.
Getty Images5France ⬆️
In spells, France has played some of the very best football at this tournament. The problem is that it has not been regular or consistent enough, with Les Bleues prone to a collapse or off-periods which the opposition can really take advantage of. It will need to work on eliminating those issues as the tournament progresses.
Next up is Brazil, a tough team but one the host would be expected to beat, especially given how on-song players like Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Kadidiatou Diani have looked. However, if it cannot maintain a strong performance over 90 minutes, the South American champion will get opportunities.