The women’s football at the Olympics 2020 may have come to a conclusion, but the final two games provided us with plenty of drama and excitement. The bronze medal match pitted a USA side who have disappointed in this tournament against an Australian team that has yet to win a medal of any colour in Olympic women’s football, and were therefore looking forward to a chance to make history. This tactical analysis will look at the improvements in the USA’s performances, compared to their semi-final against Canada, as well as Australia’s tactical approach to the match and the errors that cost them a place on the podium.
Lineups
Following their defeat to Canada, the USA made five changes to their starting XI, reverting to a 4-3-3 to give them better balance across the whole team. Chicago Red Stars goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher injured her knee in that game, so Portland Thorns stopper Adrianna Franch, who replaced her during that match, started between the posts. Former Manchester City Women midfielder Sam Mewis came into the midfield, whilst head coach Vlatko Andonovski opted to name an experienced forward line in former Manchester United Women striker Christen Press, NY/NJ Gotham’s Carli Lloyd and OL Reign’s Megan Rapinoe, all of whom had made an impact from the bench against the Canadians.
Australia, who were beaten by Sweden in their semi-final, made one enforced change to their team, as Lyon Feminines’ Ellie Carpenter was suspended, following her red card in that game. Experienced Vittsjo GIK defender Clare Polkinghorne took her place on the right of the back three, whilst Chloe Logarzo and former West Ham United Women player Emily van Egmond continued their midfield partnership, and the now-familiar trio of Kyah Simon, Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord once again started at the top.
