Australia vs Zambia

When Australia and Zambia square off in Sunday's Olympic match at Allianz Riviera, they both want to recover from crushing losses.

Germany easily defeated the Matildas, and Zambia suffered a setback due to a poor opening performance against the USA.

Australia's attempt to capture their first women's football Olympic gold began disastrously as they lost badly, 3-0, to Germany in their opening match.

Germany led by a slim margin at halftime after to goals from Marina Hegering and Jule Brand, who scored twice in as many minutes to easily defeat the Matildas.

Australia had not lost a competitive match since falling to Sweden 2-0 in the 2023 World Cup third-place playoff.

Australia will feel pressure to win their last group game against Zambia in order to give themselves the best opportunity of making it to the Olympic knockout stages for the fourth time in five years, when they take on the USA.

For the first time since defeating Greece on matchday two of the 2004 Olympics, the Matildas are aiming to win their second group match.

Now, their attention will shift to games against Australia and Germany, where Zambia wants to make history by pulling off a few upsets and making it to the Olympic knockout stages for the first time.

Australia is hoping that Tameka Yallop, who was injured in the first game, will be eligible for selection.

Clare Wheeler might be added to the team by Tony Gustavsson to play with Kyra Cooney-Cross in the middle of midfield.

Gustavsson is probably going to stick with his back four of Ellie Carpenter, Alanna Kennedy, Clare Hunt, and Steph Catley even if his team scored three goals against Canada.

Pauline Zulu, who was given a straight red card against the United States, is suspended and will not be available for Zambia.

Australia have not dropped a match in the competition since losing 2-0 to Sweden in the World Cup third-place playoff in 2023.

When Australia plays the USA in the Olympic knockout rounds, they will be under pressure to win their last group match against Zambia in order to give themselves the greatest chance of qualifying for the quarterfinals for the fourth time in five years.

The Matildas are hoping to win their second group encounter for the first time since they defeated Greece on matchday two of the 2004 Olympics.