By Emmanuel Faith 22/8/24
Above: Trinity Rodman. Photo: USWNT
While the Olympics wrapped up a week ago, a lot of us are still basking in the lovely memories it gave us. From Emma Hayes first medal with the USA team to Marta’s legendary departure from football, there are lot to reminisce about this magnificenttournament.
In this article, I will be taking a stab at the team of the tournament. To give a fair chance to all the performers, I will also be adding a section for substitutes.
Let’s see if you’d agree with my team.
Formation: 4-2-3-1:
Goalkeeper
Alyssa Naeher
This was a tough call between Ann-Katrin Berger whose heroic penalty saves was crucial to the Germans getting Bronze, and the USA legendary goal-keeper who put up a player of the tournament performance in the final with four crucial saves to ensure her team won their first Olympics gold in 12 years. If the trio of Smith, Swanson and Rodman got USA to the finals, then Naeher won them the gold.
Defenders
Centre Backs
Naomi Girma: USA.
A lot of people have credited Naomi Girma for her sturdy defensive traits, in fact, Emma Hayes called her the best defender she has ever coached, however another major trait that Girma adds to the US team is her ability to start the ball-play from the back.
This help soak in pressure, draw out opponents and create space for runners like Rodman and Dunn to exploit.
Tarciane: Brazil.
Again, this was another difficult decision between German’s Marina Hegerin and Brazil’s Tarciane. In fact, Canada’s Vanessa Giles’ caught my attention with her determined resilience and her crucial goals against France and Colombia but Tarciane gets the nod.
Despite the fact that Brazil conceded a couple goals, the youngster’s leadership at the back was pivotal when Brazil was under-pressure. She made some crucial blocks against Nigeria and France ensuring they maintained their narrow lead that put them on the path to the final.
Guess what? Two years ago, she was one of the stars of the U-20 tournament that I spotlighted and predicted an amazing career trajectory for; present-day, she is an Olympics silver-winning player at 21.
Full-Backs
Guilia Gwinn: Germany.
Two goals, two assists and a lot of dangerous set-pieces, Gwinn was reliable for Germany both as a defender and attacker. The multi-dimensional player was a key reason why the German team looked so revitalized after a disappointing outing last year.
Gwinn was everywhere for the Germans, thwarting the opponent’s attack while creating opportunities for her team-mates.
Emily Fox: USA
Another tough choice between Emily Fox and Crystal Dunnbut the formal gets the slot. From playing with so much grace and gait to nullifying attacks and almost bodying wingers with her physicality, Fox was a great compliment to Girma’sdefensive sturdiness and also created a perfect link-up with Trinity Rodman on the Left-wing.
Midfielders
In a tournament where people expected the winners of the last three Ballon D’or winners- Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellasto shine, it was the regular players like Ludmila, Brand, Abiodun, Buhl and others that took the stage.
Ludmila Da Silva: Brazil
Although she played as a midfielder, Ludmila’s energy spread through the whole team. She was a thorn in the flesh of every team she played against and was pivotal to the second half dominance Brazil had over Spain. Let’s not forget how dangerous she was against the United States and how she threatened for 60 minutes until she was substituted.
Jule Brand: Germany.
For Germany, Brand reminded the world how talented she was and showed her team what made her special. Her third goal against Australia secured their win, and sleeky passes, timely interceptions, and quick feet was a delicious spice to the German’s talent-laden midfield.
Attackers
This was the most difficult to select as it was the tournament where all the attackers showed up for the country. USA’s ‘trident’ came up clutch while Antoinette Katoto and Barbra Banda performed above their xG despite their countries’ disappointing outing. Below is my final four selection.
Sophia Smith: USA.
After a disappointing World Cup Performance, three goals and one assist in the Olympics was a great way to make a comeback. Forming a crucial partnership with the Swanson and Rodman, her crucial goal against Germany ensured that Emma Hayes team had the chance to fight for Gold.
Barbara Banda: Zambia
Now, before you begin to wonder, scoring four goals in two games against Germany and Australia is no easy feat, and scoring three hat-tricks in five Olympic matches, is a record people will be fighting to break. Despite the extremely disappointing performance, especially the loss to Australia, Banda will walk into the attack of any team at the Olympics, and surely deserved a slot in my team of the tournament.
Trinity Rodman: USA
Megan Rapinoe’s mood below was our mood when Rodman scored that sumptuous goal against Japan. Three goals and one assist, a lot of defensive work, and some delicious dribbling on the right flank made Rodman a delight to watch throughout the tournament. At 22, the sky is just the beginning for what the Californian-born youngster can achieve in the world of football.
Mallory Swanson: USA
This was a really difficult choice till the last second. Even as I type, I am wondering if I should replace ‘Mallory’ with ‘Marie’. Marie-Antoinette Katoto had a awe-inspiring tournament, scoring two braces in four matches against Colombia and New-Zealand, but Swanson’s performance at the Olympics reminded us of what the US was missing at the FIFA World Cup last year.
Her perfectly timed run and beautiful goal against Brazil won’t be forgotten by the Americans, and the world anytime soon.
Substitutes:
Goal Keeper: Ann-Katrin Berger
Defenders: Crystal Dunn, Hendrich
Midfielders: Deborah Abiodun, Khlara Buhl
Attackers: Marie-Anne Katoto
Do you agree with my team of the tournament? Share your thoughts below.
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