USWNT 3-0 Zambia: summary, score, goals, highlights | Team USA in 2024 Olympics soccer
2024 Olympic Games soccer: USWNT - Zambia as it happened
USWNT 3-0 Zambia: full-time thoughts
A funny old game for Team USA. They cut Zambia open time and again in the opening 25 minutes, scoring three time, hitting the woodwork twice and going close on a number of other occasions. Trinity Rodman’s superb spin and shot opened the scoring, with Mallory Swanson adding two clinical finishes in 66 seconds soon after.
Zambia’s Pauline Zulu was then sent off a few minutes later, which suggested things could yet ugly for the African nation. But while the USA did pass up more opportunities, their opponents actually defended much better with 10 players and even occasionally carried a threat on the counter, although Naomi Girma dealt superbly with Barbra Banda.
A comfortable win for Emma Hayes’ team, although they might - and probably should - be disappointed not to have added to the score in the final 75 minutes.
More Team USA action on AS USA!
We will have more Team USA soccer action coming up for you live on AS USA in the next few days, with the men facing New Zealand on Saturday (July 27) and the women taking on Germany on Sunday (July 28).
On Sunday, we'll also have text coverage as LeBron James and Co get underway in the men's basketball tournament against Serbia.
Be sure to come back and join us for more Olympic goodness!
What does the USWNT need to qualify for the quarterfinals?
With the top two going through and two of the best third-placed teams also qualifying for the quarterfinals, another point from their games against Germany and Australia would likely be enough for Emma Hayes' team to qualify.
When do the USWNT play next in the 2024 Olympics?
Here are the two group games the USWNT and Zambia have left:
Sunday, July 28: Australia - Zambia (1pm ET), Nice
Sunday, July 28: USWNT - Germany (3pm ET), Marseille
Wednesday, July 31: Australia - USWNT (1pm ET), Marseille
Wednesday, July 31: Zambia - Germany (1pm ET), Saint-Étienne
USWNT and Germany tied at the top of Group B
With USA and Germany winning 3-0 against Zambia and Australia respectively, they are tied at the top of Group B in every way possible other than alphabetical order. We assume that'll change in games two and three.
Remember, goal difference is the first tiebreaker, followed by goals scored.
66 seconds between Swanson goals
There you have it. There were 66 seconds between Mallory Swanson's two goals, a major tournament record for the USWNT!
No more in 75 minutes, though, which was unexpected.
Three points for the USWNT in Nice
I initially read that as "THREE POINTS IS NICE," which would also have been true.
Full-time: USWNT 3-0 Zambia
I've said it before and I'll say it again. After 25 minutes, I would never have believed this would end 3-0. Credit to Zambia. The USWNT might be a bit disappointed despite a comfortable win.
Albert shot saved!
Albert does her best to prove me wrong with a shot from the edge of the box! It's decent enough, but straight at Musole.
It's not looking like it, to be honest. The USA patiently keeping the ball, I think this might be our lot.
If nothing changes, the USWNT and Germany will be tied at the top of Group B. Can they get a late goal to edge ahead?
Four minutes of injury time to be played.
Dunn heads wide!
And that should've been four! Krueger's cross from the left looks perfect for Dunn, who somehow heads wide at the back post!
Things are petering out a bit, despite my suggestion that the USA should try and get another goal. There'll still be another chance for them, I'm sure.
Kundananji leads a Zambia breakaway but can't get past Dunn on the right. The USA have kept her quiet well in Nice.
I reckon the USWNT would do well to get another goal to ensure they have a better goal difference than Germany before they have to play them. It could be important when it comes to who finishes top, if they are level on points.
We're having a cooling break of sorts, 10 minutes before the end.
Krueger shot blocked
Dunn clips another ball up into the box and Krueger looks certain to score at the back post. But guess what? Another block!
A bit of a lull in play in the last few minutes. The USA could probably do with conserving energy, with just a couple of days off until their next game.
Well, that was a huge anti-climax. Nighswonger inexplicably doesn't shoot and the free-kick comes to nothing.
USWNT free-kick chance
Here's a chance for a fourth, though! Nighswonger to take...
If you'd told me after 25 minutes the score would still be 3-0 after 75 minutes, I would never, ever have believed you.
Fox and Horan shots blocked!
Zambia defended terribly for 20 minutes in the first half, but they've also made some brilliant challenges in their own box. Both Fox and Horan think they're going to make it four, only to be denied by last-ditch blocks.
Dunn gets the goal line and chips the ball up towards Williams, but Musole scoops it away from almost off her head.
Girma is managing to keep Banda quiet, but the USWNT are allowing Zambia to get the ball to her a lot, which I'd say is a bit of a worry. Especially since they're playing against 10 men.
Banda breaks away down the left and plays the ball inside to Mupopo, who goes over in the box. The referee immediately waves his finger. "No penalty".
Triple USWNT change
Krueger, Sonnet and Nighswonger are on. Swanson, Rodman and Horan off. Time to rest up.
Banda's hopeful shot saved
Play has restarted and Banda immediately tries her luck from 25 yards. Easily held by Naeher.
A little break in play as Mweemba goes down with a knock. Zambia need a bit of respite here.
Swanson shoots wide!
The USWNT are starting to get back into their groove a bit. Swanson skips past a couple of defenders and into the box, but slices wide from a tight angle!
Rodman shoots just wide!
Close from Rodman! The winger comes inside from the right and shoots left-footed, but just misses the target!
Banda picks the ball up in a dangerous position on the left and tries to take on Girma, who does superbly to get a nick on the ball and thwart the Zambian striker.
Albert shot saved!
It may have slipped my mind to say Albert replaced Lavelle at halftime. In any case, the sub is next to threaten for the USWNT, but can't beat Musole at the near post.
Two USA efforts blocked
Williams then Rodman try to get shots away from around the penalty spot, but green shirts throw themselves in the way to block!
Zambia causing problems
A crucial tackle from Davidson to stop Banda from getting a shot away! Mupopo picked the wrong pass though, as Kundananji was all alone on the right-hand side of the box.
Banda absolutely flies past Davidson and goes for the spectacular from just inside the USA half, but miscues her attempt to lob Naeher and ends up looking a bit silly.
All of a sudden, Kundananji is everywhere. This time, her long-range shot is easily saved by Naeher.
Rodman easily gets past Tembo in the box and could easily have gone down under the challenge. She stays on her feet and cuts the ball back, but fails to pick out a teammate.
To the surprise of few, Kundananji is back up and running around like a little rabbit.
Kundananji, who I don't think I've mentioned until now, lets out a huge scream after a tackle from Horan, which actually looked a good one.
Once play resumes, Dunn races away down the left but crosses straight into the hands of Musole.
Well that didn't last long. A stoppage because the ball has gone flat.
USWNT - Zambia second half underway!
We're back underway in Nice. I'm banking on a few more goals for the USA...
Ready for more? Let's go!
USWNT 3-0 Zambia: half-time thoughts
The USA sliced Zambia open at will inside the first 25 minutes,by which time they were 3-0 up.
Rodman broke the deadlock with a brilliant turn and finish, a few minutes before Swanson twice went clean through and easily finished past Musole.
A red card for Zulu moments later looked as if it might lead to further goals for the US, but the VAR delay which preceded the decision disrupted their flow, and they took their foot off the gas in the closing stages of the half.
An injury to Sophia Smith, who was forced off, is the main negative so far.
Swanson at the double
It you'd gone to grab a drink after Swanson's first goal, you would've missed her second one. It looked like it might get ugly for Zambia at that, but the USWNT didn't score in the final 20 minutes of the half.
USWNT equalling Germany in Group B
As it stands, the USWNT are winning by the same score Germany defeated Australia by earlier in Group B. Although you'd fancy Emma Hayes' team to score a few more in the second half.
FT: Germany 3-0 Australia
HT: USWNT 3-0 Zambia
Half time: USWNT 3-0 Zambia
Plain sailing for the USWNT! A goal from Rodman and a quick-fire double from Swanson have them in cruise control against 10-woman Zambia.
The ref has had enough and blows up for halftime a few seconds early. Maybe needs to use the rest room.
Three minutes of injury time to come.
Mupopo breaks in the USA box and manages to prod the ball goalwards, although Naeher has little trouble dealing with it down low.
Rodman heads wide!
How on earth did she miss that?! Rodman is all alone in the middle of the box but somehow heads a free-kick wide when it looked easier to score!
Yellow cards on either side
Seconds after Rodman is booked for clipping Mupopo from behind, the USWNT winger is hauled down by Temba, who also sees yellow.
Bizarrely, the USWNT have done absolutely nothing since the Zambia red card. The VAR delay has totally disrupted their flow.
USA enforced change, Smith off
After a short delay, not sure why, Williams comes on for the injured Smith.
Oooh, this really isn't good news. Smith is going to have to go off here. Something serious or just a precaution with the game as good as won? It's too early to tell.
An injury concern here for Sophia Smith, who's taken a sore one inside in the Zambia half. Some treatment for the USWNT star.
Zambia double change
This has turned into quite the mess for Zambia. After the red card, they've made two changes, with Chitundu and Muchinga on for Grace Chanda and Chilufya.
Zambia appeal for penalty
Bamba races away down the little, outpacing Fox. She cuts inside and passes rather than shoots, and Zambia end up overplaying, although they reckon it might've touched Davidson's hand in the box. The referee isn't having it.
Lavelle's dinks the ball up to the back post but Rodman can't get her header on target.
Red card from Zambia's Zulu
It seems it was a red card check more than a penalty check. She was the last defender, although it seems a bit harsh.
Oh no, I see a red card...
It initially looked as if Zulu had defended the situation well, but she stuck her arm out at the last moment and caught Smith. Although that looks outside the box to me.
Zambia yellow card
Zulu is first in the book after sticking an arm in Smith's face as she broke away into the box. Free-kick coming up on the edge...
USWNT go close again!
Almost an own goal! Rodman gets away down the left and Mweemba almost slides the ball into her own net! If she got proper contact on that, it would've gone in, weirdly enough.
3-0 after 25 minutes. How is this one going to end up....?
Two goals in a minute for Swanson! Smith is the provider this time, she finds Swanson in space in the box, and the attacker goes around Musole before tapping into an empty net.
Horan threads the eye of the needle with a delightful outside-of-the-foot pass, Swanson runs on to it and scoops it high past Musole!
A bit of respite for Zambia as they win a corner. Siamfuko's delivery doesn't lead to anything, though, and the USA are back on the attack.
I feel like I might be typing 'Musole' a lot in the next 70 minutes.
Musole keeps Lavelle out!
This could get ugly for Zambia...Rodman clips a lovely cross in for Lavelle, whose glancing header is beaten away by Musole.
It's a lovely move. Smith jinks into space on the left, Horan feeds a pass through to Rodman, who pulls off a brilliant turn and calm finish past Musole!
USWNT hit the bar again!
How are they not ahead?? Swanson heads Dunn's cross off the bar, and Horan's follow-up volley is blocked on the line. Madness!
Banda tests Naeher
Zambia have the chance to play Banda clean through. There's not enough on the pass, which forces her to take the shot from distance, and it's easily claimed by Naeher.
Horan shot blocked!
Horan is most definitely OK, as seconds later she shoots from a promising position, only for her effort to be blocked!
Horan goes down following a high challenge with Bamba. She takes a sore one to the face, but she should be OK.
Zambia really struggling to get out of their half having spent most of the first two minutes in US territory.
Dunn shoots just wide!
Almost immediately, Dunn drifts in from the left and shoots just wide of the near post. This is surely just a matter of time...
Rodman hits the bar!
USA are definitely cranking it up! Smith clips a pass through to Rodman, who lofts the ball over Musole but it comes back off the bar. So close!
Of course, every time I mentioned there's a corner, it comes to nothing. Musole easily claims Smith's delivery.
USA have livened up and are starting to turn the screw a little. Corner coming up!
Smith shot saved!
Just as I say that, Swanson's cross from the right is perfect for Smith, whose first-time effort is straight at Musole!
Zambia have made the brighter start in the opening minutes, forcing a couple of free-kicks in the USA half. Nothing has come of either of them, though.
Not a huge crowd watching this one, it must be said...
Underway in Nice!
Here we go! The USWNT are up and running!
National anthem time in Nice!
The teams are out, ready to sing loud and proud!
What is the Zambia's record in women's soccer at the Olympics?
Zambia have only once featured in the women's Olympic soccer tournament. In 2021, they failed to get out of the group stage after taking one point from three games, in which there were an incredible 22 goals!
What is the USWNT's record in women's soccer at the Olympics?
The United States has won the gold medal in four of the seven previous women’s Olympic soccer tournaments but failed to do so in the last two, reaching the quarterfinals in 2016 and claiming a bronze medal in 2021.
Why is USA - Zambia being played in Nice and not Paris?
The 2024 Olympics are being held in Paris, right? So why's this game being played in Nice in the south of France?
Well, it's pretty customary for a number of events to be spread around the host country, and it makes particular sense with soccer. There aren't enough big stadiums in Paris to go around, so matches are also taking place in Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux, Saint-Étienne, Nantes.
Team USA line-up: fun facts and stats
US Soccer have quickly thrown up some fun facts and stats about some of the players in today's lineup to face Zambia. Ready?
- Tonight’s starting lineup averages 27.4 years of age and 78 caps per player, making it the youngest lineup to start for the USWNT at any world championship event – Olympics or World Cup – since the 2008 Summer Games.
- The starting lineup features three three-time Olympians (Dunn, Horan, Naeher), three two-time Olympians (Davidson, Lavelle, Swanson) and five first-time Olympians playing in their first-ever Olympic match (Coffey, Fox, Girma, Rodman, Smith).
- Crystal Dunn will become the 26th player in USWNT history to reach 150 caps.
How does the men's Olympic soccer tournament work? Knockout rounds
Now, I now what you're thinking. 12 teams in a tournament is a bit of a mess, and I agree.
Eight of the 12 from the group stage go through to the knockout rounds, with only four eliminated. That's the top two teams from each group, plus the two third-placed teams that have the best records.
From then on, it's all pretty straightforward, with quarterfinals, semifinals, a bronze medal match and the all-important gold medal game, which will be played at Paris Saint-Germain's Parc des Princes on Saturday, August 10.
How does the men's Olympic soccer tournament work? Group stage
Right, so we've established that the USWNT are playing against Zambia, and I briefly mentioned there were 12 countries competing in the event. But how does the women's soccer tournament action work at the 2024 Olympics?
First of all, the 16 nations have been drawn into these four groups:
Group A: France, Colombia, Canada, New Zealand
Group B: USA, Zambia, Germany, Australia
Group C: Spain, Japan, Nigeria, Brazil
Zambia team to play USWNT
And if you've got the two most expensive players in the world, you start them. Here's the Zambia lineup:
Musole; Siamfuko, Zulu, Mweemba, Tembo; G. Chanda, Chilufya, H. Chanda, Kundananji; Banda; Mupopo.
Zambia's boast world's most expensive stars
The standout fact about the Zambia roster is they currently have the two most expensive players in world soccer, which seems quite mad to say. And both Racheal Kundananji and Barbra Banda play in the NWSL in the United States for Bay FC and Orlando Pride respectively.
Grace Chanda will also be joining the latter of the two teams after the Olympics.
Five of the 18 players play for the brilliantly named Green Buffaloes, while I'm expecting Ochumba Oseke Lubandji of the Red Arrows to be flying down the wing in Nice.
Zambia roster for the 2024 Olympic Games
What about the USWNT's opponents in Nice? Well, there will be plenty of unknowns in the Zambia roster for most people, but other names American soccer fans will be very familiar with.
Goalkeepers: Catherine Musonda (Hapoel Ra'anana AFC), Ng’ambo Musole (Green Buffaloes FC)
Defenders: Diana Banda (Green Buffaloes FC), Lushomo Mweemba (Green Buffaloes FC), Esther Siamfuko (Green Buffaloes FC), Pauline Zulu (Elite LFC), Martha Tembo (BIIK Kazygurt), Esther Muching (Zanaco FC)
Midfielders: Rhoda Chileshe (Indeni Roses FC), Chisha Rachael Misozi Zulu (Hakkarigücü Spor), Ochumba Oseke Lubandji (Red Arrows FC), Grace Chanda (Orlando Pride), Avell Chitundu (ZESCO United FC), Prisca Chilufya (BIIK Kazygurt), Racheal Kundananji (Bay FC)
Forwards: Kabange Mupopo (Green Buffaloes FC), Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride), Hellen Nga'ndwe Chanda (BIIK Kazygurt)
Reserves : Vast Phiri (ZESCO United FC), Racheal Nachula (Zaragoza CFF), Mary Wilombe (Red Arrows FC), Eunice Sakala (Nkwazi Queens FC)
Hayes: “I’ve dreamed of this moment since I was a little girl”
I didn’t realise little English girls dreamt of leading the United States out at the Olympics, but what do I know? This, of course, will be Emma Hayes’ first competitive tournament since leaving Chelsea to take over the USWNT.
During her time with her former club, she won 261 of 367 games in charges seven league titles in 12 seasons and five FA Cups, as well as reaching the Champions League final in 2021.
Emma Hayes oversees USWNT generational change
Looking through that USWNT squad, I make that 10 of 18 players who are under the age of 26. And I’ve just read the roster has an average age of 27.2, the fourth youngest of the 12 teams in the tournament.
I guess that’s what happens when you’ve just come off the back of your worst ever FIFA World Cup (round of 16 in 2023).
USWNT team to play Zambia
And here's how the United States will line up against Zambia!
Naeher; Fox, Girma, Davidson, Dunn; Horan, Coffey, Lavelle; Rodman, Swanson, Smith.
The versatile Crystal Dunn looks likely start at left-back, by my reckoning.
Shaw replaced by Bethune
The eagled-eyed among you will have noticed the roster I posted is different to the one provided by the USWNT. But there's a good reason for that.
If a player on the roster is injured for a particular match, they can be replaced by one of the four reserves that have travelled to France. For the game against Zambia, Croix Bethune is in for the Jaedyn Shaw, who is dealing with a leg issue.
Team USA women’s roster for the 2024 Olympic Games
Right, we’ve established there’s no Alex Morgan, there’s also no Julie Ertz or Megan Rapinoe, who have both retired.
So who IS in?
Goalkeepers: Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)
Defenders: Tierna Davidson (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Emily Fox (Arsenal), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave FC), Casey Krueger (Washington Spirit), Jenna Nighswonger (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Emily Sonnett (NJ/NY Gotham FC)
Midfielders: Korbin Albert (Paris Saint-Germain), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns), Lindsey Horan (Lyon), Rose Lavelle (NJ/NY Gotham FC)
Forwards: Crystal Dunn (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Jaedyn Shaw (San Diego Wave FC), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns FC), Mallory Swanson (Chicago Red Stars), Lynn Williams (NJ/NY Gotham FC)
Reserves: Croix Bethune (Washington Spirit), Jane Campbell (Houston Dash), Hal Hershfelt (Washington Spirit), Emily Sams (Orlando Pride)
If you were with me last night for France - USA in the men’s tournament, you’ll be aware that that particularly event is mainly for under-23 players, with each team allowed three overage players.
There is no such restriction in the women’s tournament, which means coaches were able to select whoever they wanted to take to Paris. And there was still no place for Morgan. Ouch!
No Alex Morgan in USWNT - Zambia
Alex Morgan has been one of the biggest stars of female soccer for as long as any of us can remember. How can she not be playing in the 2024 Olympic Games?
While the Olympic Games are essentially an under-23 tournament, with a few exceptions, for the men, there are no such restrictions for the women, which means she could've been selected.
Glad you asked. Two events got underway yesterday, while two more started today, all before the opening ceremony takes place on the banks of the Seine tomorrow.
Don’t try telling any of today’s performers the Olympics haven’t started yet, though.
When do the 2024 Olympic Games start and end?
There are probably a few things we should run through before we get into the nitty gritty of Team USA against Zambia. The 2024 Olympic Games due to begin on Friday, 26 July (no, I haven’t lost my mine) and finish on Sunday, 11 August.
However,…
Several sports, including men’s and women’s soccer are starting a little earlier, for various reasons. “What reasons?” you ask.
What time does USWNT against Zambia kick off?
The game in Nice (wait, what? I thought the Olympics were in Paris...?) gets underway at 9:00 p.m. local time, which is 3:00 p.m. ET and 12:00 p.m. PT. Early/extended lunch breaks all round!
Hello and welcome to live text coverage of USA - Zambia in women’s soccer at the 2024 Olympics!
The 2024 Olympics Games are here at long last and we’ve got just over two weeks of top-notch sporting action for you, from archery and artistic swimming to weightlifting and wrestling (zumba hasn’t made it into the Olympics yet, sadly, ruining my A to Z).
We have some soccer action coming right up for you, which maybe doesn’t feel that Olympicky (not a word, I know). But you’ll be right up for it when you learn that it's women's soccer, which is taken veeeery seriously at the Games. None of this under-23 malarky.
I’m Roddy and thanks for joining me for live text coverage of Emma Hayes' United States Women's National Team (the USWNT to me and you) against Zambia.