Although soccer started earlier this week—the USWNT cruised to a 2-0 win over New Zealand to begin their tournament—last night's opening ceremonies have truly turned all eyes to these Olympics. And, somewhat appropriately as the games get started in earnest, the U.S. women face a tougher opponent today in France. Bring it on, Olympics.
The USWNT may be favorites to take gold this summer, but France are no underdogs. Ranked third in the world, Les Bleues beat Colombia 4-0 in their opening match and boast both a dynamic attack and an organized defense (key things in soccer, dontcha know).
You won't want to miss this one, so settle in at 4:00 p.m. ET to watch on NBCSN, NBC Universo, or streaming online.
USA starting XI:
Your #USWNT starting XI: Solo; O’Hara, Engen, Sauerbrunn, Klingenberg; Long, Brian, Lloyd (c); Dunn, Morgan, Heath. pic.twitter.com/xCh3A10JKK
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@ussoccer_wnt) August 6, 2016
France starting XI:
Et voici la compo des Bleues pour ce choc ! #AllezLesBleues #FRAUSA #Rio2016
— Equipe de France (@equipedefrance) August 6, 2016
22:00
France4 / Canalplus pic.twitter.com/EpBQnVgHwH
Match previews: Last call for our interview with Crystal Dunn, and here's our preview too, as well as words from Stars and Stripes FC, MLSsoccer.com, and Fox Sports. FourFourTwo also has a tactical preview looking at why France poses a serious challenge for the USWNT.
What are you drinking? Something American, duh. (Actually it will be whatever I end up buying for DCU tailgate today. Possibly some good ol' Yuengling.)
Prediction: It'll be close. I'll say 2-1, with a U.S. triumph.
This is your spot for pre-, in-, and post-game talk. Comment away!