PARIS—The United States began its quest for a fifth women’s soccer gold medal with a resounding 3–0 victory over Zambia at Nice Stadium on Thursday, the first day of competition in the Olympics.
Trinity Rodman scored after a brilliant move in the 17th minute, and Mallory Swanson found the net twice in a minute, between the 24th and 25th, to clinch the three points for the United States in Group B.
Rodman, 22, was making her Olympic debut as part of a roster that no longer includes some of the more legendary USWNT names. Lindsey Horan assisted Rodman, who quickly changed direction to spin and beat Zamba goalkeeper Ngambo Musole.
“I think in that situation, I knew that if I took a touch in front of me, it probably would’ve put me out of the frame of the goal,” Rodman said. “I was trying to just put her off balance, which worked, so I’m happy about that.”
Zambia was reduced to 10 players at the half-hour mark after a red card for Pauline Zulu, who left the pitch in tears. She was penalized for a foul that halted Sophia Smith from scoring a would-be goal.
Emma Hayes of the United States was thrilled with the early effort and focus in her debut as the USWNT coach in major-tournament play, but felt the opportunity to put the game away was there in the first half.
“The first part of the first half was exceptional—to come out the way we did—the intention, the intensity, the decision making, the execution,” Hayes said. “It should have been at least five at halftime.”
Olympic newcomer Spain recovered from going behind by an early goal in Nantes and beat Group C rival Japan 2–1 to avenge a 4–0, group-stage loss to the Asians in last year’s World Cup. Aoba Fujino’s superb free kick opened the scoring for Japan, but Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmati equalized only nine minutes later with an easy finish.
Spain dominated possession in the second half and secured the win in the 74th minute, courtesy of a Mariona Caldentey strike following a Bonmati pass to go top of the group.
“We have started the Games very well. I’m happy for the win. [The World Cup loss against] Japan left us with a thorn in our side,” Bonmati said. “The goal we conceded didn’t change our mentality. We played our football, and we deserved the win.”
Elsewhere, reigning Olympic champion Canada also claimed a 2–1 comeback victory, over New Zealand, in St Etienne in Group A.
France’s Marie-Antoinette Katoto, meanwhile, struck twice to help the hosts to a 3–2 win over Colombia in their Group A opener in Lyon. Katoto opened the scoring after six minutes, pouncing on a misplaced pass by Linda Caicedo. Kenza Dali doubled the lead in the 18th minute before Katoto got her second and made it 3–0 with a header three minutes before half-time.
Colombia’s Catalina Usme and Manuela Pavi then made it 3–2, scoring in the 54th and 64th minutes, respectively. But Colombia’s hopes of a comeback and a first Olympic win were dashed when Mayra Ramirez drew a red card with five minutes left.
Germany made a strong start to the tournament in Marseille with a 3–0 win over Australia in a Group B match, thanks to goals from Marina Hegering, Lea Schueller, and Jule Brand. Towering headers from Hegering in the 24th minute and Schueller in the 64th, as well as a Brand effort, sealed the rout for the 2016 Olympic champions.
Brazil earned a 1–0 win over Nigeria in Bordeaux in Group C. Gabi Nunes scored in the 37th minute following a pass from Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, Marta, who is playing at her sixth Olympics.
