Matildas lose big in opening Olympics soccer match

The Australian women’s soccer team got off to the worst possible start on Friday morning (AEST) in Marseilles, with the Matildas losing 3-0 to former gold medallists Germany at the 2024 Olympic Games.

The clash began poorly for Australia, with a shot from Jule Brand nearly sealing the first goal after 10 minutes.

However, a yellow card for forward Caitlin Foord came soon after, followed by the opening goal to Germany’s Marina Hegering within the first half-hour.

While the next 40 minutes remained goalless, it was a largely listless performance from Australia.

Germany’s defence smothered the star-studded attack of the Matildas, with Cortnee Wine, Hayley Raso and Foord seeing scant opportunities.

Corners sink Matildas in opener

Germany’s prowess off corner kicks, and their ability to generate seven of them, was Australia’s undoing on Thursday.

Hegering’s goal came by way of an uncontested header, while the world No.4’s second was also off a corner.

This time, it was Lea Schueller who netted the ball, with the winger again uncontested in her leap off the corner.

Germany secured their third goal courtesy of an impressive cross that found the Aussies’ defence wanting.

A fourth almost came soon after, but it was disallowed when the referee ruled an offside had occurred during the melee.

Uphill battle for Australia at Olympics now

The heavy loss means Australia now face an uphill battle to qualify for the quarter-finals at the 2024 Summer Olympics.

The Matildas face the No.64-ranked Zambia on Monday and will require a big win to keep their hopes alive.

Do so, and they will face a likely knockout clash against the No.5-ranked United States in order to make the next round.

Given the United States are joint favourites to win gold at $3 across soccer bookmakers, Australia have their work cut out for them.

Meanwhile, Bet365 has lengthened the odds of Australia winning gold in Paris.

Having been at $15 ahead of their opening match, the Matildas are now paying $23 in the outright betting.

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