The opening Olympic ceremonies are in the books, but even before that, one round of Olympic soccer was already completed earlier.
Matchday 1 saw a ton of Overs cashing. Over 2.5 went 5-1. The 1 under, was Brazil 1-0 over Nigeria and we picked that to go Under.
- Spain 2-1 Japan
- Canada 2-1 New Zealand
- Brazil 1-0 Nigeria
- Germany 3-0 Australia
- France 3-2 Colombia
- USA 3-0 Zambia
Now let’s move into Sunday’s Women’s Olympic Soccer Matchday 2 predictions.
New Zealand vs Colombia Prediction
11am EST.
New Zealand Preview
The Ferns scored early vs Canada and held on as Canada grew into the game and tied it in 1st half-stoppage time. But Canada’s 2nd goal late on in the 79’ minute proved to be the winner in a 2-1 defeat.
Canada dominated possession with 61% and outshot New Zealand 22-7 and 9-2 in shots on target.
The Ferns ran out with 6 straight wins from February – April this year, before a 0-0 draw (Thailand), 2-0 loss (Japan), 4-1 loss (Japan) and 1-1 draw (Zambia) heading into the tournament.
Colombia Preview
Colombia’s Olympic start looked grim, falling behind 3-0 to France despite creating their share of chances. But they clawed back with 2 second-half goals, only to see Mayra Ramirez get red-carded in the 86’ minute and see the comeback fall short.
Ramirez will be a big loss on MD2. She had 4 shots and 1 on target and created plenty of chances.
Overall, France had 61% possession, but Colombia had more attempts (16-9), while France more shots on target (7-4).
Las Chicas Superpoderosas lost 2-1 to Ecuador in their last game before the tournament but won 3-0, 2-0, 3-0 and 1-0 in games prior, versus Venezuela (twice), Guatemala and Mexico.
Colombia is 7-0-4 in 11 but other losses vs top teams like USA (3-0) and Brazil (1-0) in that time. So of those recent 4 losses, 3 have been vs top teams.
H2H
These teams played twice recently in friendlies last year with a 0-0 draw and 1-0 Colombia win.
They also met in the 2016 Olympics (1-0 NZ) and in another friendly in 2012, 2-1 New Zealand.
Colombia is a dark horse in this tournament and gave France a real challenge once they got going on MD1. They have much more talent than New Zealand, need the win here after losing on MD1 and having Canada on deck next round and should get it.
- Women’s Olympic Soccer Predictions: Colombia to win (-188) OR add to score over 1.5 into a SGP (-105)
Brazil vs Japan Prediction
11am EST.
Brazil Preview
Brazil thought they had taken the lead vs Nigeria, but Marta’s goal was called back for offside in the lead-up. But they still scored minutes later with an amazing strike from Gabi Nunes, assisted by Marta.
The possession was nearly split, while Brazil led in attempts (16-13) and each had 5 shots on target.
As Canarinhas have won four in a row, 1-0, 4-0, 4-0 and 1-1 (pks) vs Japan in the SheBeleives Cup. So there’s a quick turnaround in this rematch.
The two 4-0 wins though were vs Jamaica.
Overall they’re 10-0-2 in 12 and have scored in all but 1 of those (1-0 loss USA).
Japan Preview
Japan scored early off a free kick vs Spain before seeing La Roja equalize through Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati and go into half drawn 1-1. Spain continued to dominate in the 2nd half and a Mariona Caldentey goal in the 74’ proved to be the winner.
Much like in last summer’s World Cup match, Japan had little possesion (25%) but this time could only manage the 1 goal on 3 shots on target and 4 attempts.
Japan is 5-1-4 in 10, but had won 10 straight before that. Only once in 26 games has Japan not found the back of the net.
The Over 2.5 has gone 5-2 in their last 7.
H2H
These teams just met in the SheBelieves Cup in April, drawing 1-1 with Brazil winning in PKs.
They played 3 times last year, twice in friendlies, won 4-3 by Brazil and 2-0 by Japan and again in the SheBelieves Cup won 1-0 by Brazil.
This could be another tight one. Under 2.5 (-118) or draw (+220).
- Women’s Olympic Soccer Predictions: Draw (+220)
Spain vs Nigeria Prediction
1pm EST.
Spain Preview
Japan scored early off a free kick vs Spain before seeing La Roja equalize through Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati and go into half drawn 1-1. Mariona Caldentey’s goal in the 74’. was the winning goal leading to Spain’s first-ever Olympic win.
Spain led in possession, 75%, shots 14-4 and shots on target 7-3.
In 2024 Spain is 8-0-1 outscoring opponents 25-5 in all comps. Go further back and they’ve lost just 4 times in 36 games being 31-1-4.
In their last 12 games, they’ve scored multiple goals in 11 of them and won by multiple goals in 8/12.
Nigeria Preview
Nigeria met Brazil on Matchday 1 and while each team had their chances with 5 shots on target each, it was a Gabi Nunes 1st half strike that proved the difference in a 1-0 Brazil win.
The possession was nearly split, while Brazil led in attempts (16-13) and each had 5 shots on target.
Nigeria got knocked out of the Round of 16 at the World Cup last year in penalties to England after drawing 0-0.
That and the Brazil loss are their only defeats in any competition in their last 16 games going back to February 2023.
Nigeria games are often tight with the Under 2.5 going 5-0 and 9-4 of late.
We’ll have conflicting scoring stats here. Nigeria has not allowed more than 1 goal in any of their 11 games and only once in 18 games.
But then Spain has multiple goals in 11/12.
Nigeria played in a rather open game with Brazil where both had 5 shots on target, with Brazil having the end in attempts 16-13. Play that open vs Spain and it could get ugly.
Spain should win, but they have no reason to go all out after already getting 3 points.
H2H
This will be the first-ever meeting.
- Women’s Olympic Soccer Predictions: Spain to win & under 5 (-163) OR under 4 (+120)
Australia vs Zambia Prediction
1pm EST.
Australia Preview
The Matildas, without Sam Kerr maybe looked the worst on MD1. They were outshot 17-8 and 4-2 in shots on target and 3 of the 4 German shots on target found the back of the net, 1 in the first half and 2 quick to start the second half in what ended 3-0 for Germany.
Germany held the edge in chances at 17-8 and 4-2 in attempts/shots on target.
Australia is now 4-1-2 but two of those big wins came over Uzbekistan, so … they’re tough to judge.
Zambia Preview
It was always going to be tough for Zambia starting the Olympics off vs USA and they found themselves down 3-0 within 25 minutes of the game. A Pauline Zulu red card in the 34’ didn’t help matters, though, Zambia managed to keep the score the same the rest of the way in a 3-0 loss.
Obviously the stats were all in USA’s favor – possession 79%, shots 27-8 and shots on target 8-3.
Since losing 5-0 to Spain in the World Cup, the Copper Queens are now 10-3-3.
They’re 4-2-2 in their past 8, but just 1-2-2 in their past 5 and that 1 win needed extra-time. Their last game entering the Olympics was 1-1 with New Zealand, another lower-ranked nation in the tournament. Australia is better than New Zealand but a step down from USA.
Zambia is usually good for a goal, having scored in 13/16 in regulation going back to that Spain loss.
Even after Zambia went down a player, they didn’t concede any more goals to USA and Barbra Banda still had chances. Banda leads the NWSL with 12 goals right now.
H2H
This will be the first-ever meeting.
Zambia are such massive underdogs (+1200) that simply betting them to get on the scoresheet looks like a decent bet.
- Women’s Olympic Soccer Predictions: Zambia to score (-120)
USA vs Germany Prediction
3pm EST.
USA Preview
It was all USA vs Zambia on MD1 running out to a 3-0 lead at half, with 2 from Mallory Swanson. Zambia did themselves no favors taking a red card a half-hour into the game. But, USA didn’t manage to score again and the score remained the same.
Obviously the stats were all in USA’s favor – possession 79%, shots 27-8 and shots on target 8-3.
The US were without Jaedyn Shaw to start the game and also saw Sophia Smith exit the game 42 minutes in.
Trinity Rodman piled up the shot attempts with 7, putting 2 on target, 1 for a goal.
In USA’s last 24 games in all comps they are 20-2-2 and only 3 times have they not scored.
Germany Preview
The Germans struck early against the Sam Kerr-less Matilsas on MD1 through Marina Hegering in the 24’ minute. It stayed that way until halftime but the German onslaught continued in the 2nd half with 2 more goals on the way to a 3-0 win.
Germany got goals from Hegering, Lea Schuller and Jule Brand and outshot Australia 17-8 and 4-2. Brand and Klara Buhl piled up the shot attempts with 6 and 5 respectively.
They’ve now won 8/9 outscoring opponents 22-8 in that time.
They have conceded in 5/7 so BTTS bets have been cashing and they’ve allowed goals to the likes of Iceland (3), Poland, (1) Poland (1), Iceland (1) and Austria (2).
Go further back and they’re 11-1-2 in 13 games. One of those losses, was to France, 2-1.
Germany may have shut out Australia without their best player, but it will be a different story vs USA.
H2H
The most recent meetings were in two 2022 friendlies where both won by 2-1 scorelines.
Further back, USA is 9-3-1 in the last 13 meetings going back to 2009.
Let’s bet on goals coming from both side in our women’s soccer picks.
- Women’s Olympic Soccer Predictions: Both teams to score (-138)
France vs Canada Prediction
3pm EST.
France Preview
France opened the scoring early vs Colombia with Kototo scoring 5 minutes in. Kototo doubled the lead for France at the 18-minute mark. Colombia hit the post soon after but it was France who would score again to make it 3-0.
Colombia actually had several chances, including multiple from Ramirez. When she got taken down in the box in the 2nd half Usme stepped up to convert the PK and cut the lead to 3-1.
That spurred Los Chicas Superpoderosas on and substitute Manuela Pavi scored a second for Colombia in the 64’.
Then Ramirez sees red in the 86’ for Colombia which basically ended the comeback.
Overall, France had 61% possession, but Colombia had more attempts (16-9), while France more shots on target (7-4).
Since losing in PKs to Australia in last summer’s World Cup France is now 11-1-3 but 2/3 losses have come in 2/4 most recent games in Euro qualifying.
BTTS & Over 2.5 is 5-0 in France games and they’ve only not scored 3 times in 19 games.
Canada Preview
Canada was surprisingly behind early in their game vs New Zealand but drew level in 1st half-stoppage time. A second goal from Evelyn Viens who was a second half sub gave Canada a 2-1 lead they would hold onto for the win.
Canada dominated possession with 61% and outshot New Zealand 22-7 and 9-2 in shots on target.
The win came without head coach Bev Priestman and others on the sidelines for their part in “Drone Gate”. The assistants responsible were sent home while Priestman accepted a 1-match abense. However, since, further investigations have uncovered more accusations prior to the tournament and Priestman has now been sent home and banned as well.
Canada’s only 2 losses in their last 14 games have come to USA and both went to PKs. Canada has scored in 14 straight and with recent scores of 2-1, 2-1, 1-1, 2-0, 2-2, 1-1 and 2-2 a lot of BTTS bets are cashing going 6-1 in their past 7 games.
H2H
France won 2-1 in a 2023 friendly in the nations’ most recent meeting.
There’s been a ton of low-scoring games between the teams with 5 straight 1-0 scores in the games prior, 4/5 won by France. Overall, France is 7-3-3 all-time vs Canada going back to 2006.
I see at least a couple of goals in this one and likely at least one from both.
- Women’s Olympic Soccer Predictions: Both Teams to Score (+100)
Those are some straight bet predictions for these women’s soccer games, but if you want to play things a little safer, here are a couple of parlay picks to consider as well.
Parlay Picks
- Colombia to win
- Spain to win
- (-134)
- USA vs Germany over 1.5
- France vs Canada over 1.5
- (-131)
Ryan Métivier is a seasoned editor, writer and communications professional with years of experience in all fields. When it comes to covering sports, he’s written for numerous outlets and organizations including the OHL, CHL, SportsXpress, Sports Betting Dime, Cleveland.com, MassLive, FanSided and others.
While he’ll always cheer for his hometown Toronto teams, when it comes to betting, his only allegiance is his bankroll. Ryan specializes in global soccer, the NFL and the NHL, but if there is a bet to be made, he’ll make it. As the founder of Shred The Spread, Ryan focuses on combining storylines, trends, analytics and good bankroll management to creating simple bets that make sense.
When not making a case for why both teams will score in an MLS soccer match, he can be found focusing his efforts on fitness, attempting to learn Spanish, cooking or planning his travel adventure.
