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Zambia in particular could set the tone for the USWNT’s journey in Group B. It is also the first time the U.S. has played against them, so there is no historical record to consider.
All eyes are on Barbra Banda, the star striker for Zambia and the Orlando Pride. Banda made waves at the last Olympics in Japan by scoring back-to-back hat-tricks against the Netherlands and China during the group stage.
Hayes called Banda the most in-form striker in the world earlier this month, adding a tactical assessment of their opening opponent in an interview with Sam Mewis.
“Their ability to transition is better than any team I’ve seen in world football,” she said. “We’ve been watching them, unbelievable their ability to go from back to front. So for us, structure becomes essential. That becomes the bedrock.”
“We have plenty of knowledge of Banda,” Hayes added, “and have put together a game plan to factor in all the strengths of the opponent.”
GO FURTHER
USWNT looks ahead to Olympics opener as Emma Hayes emphasizes one-game-at-a-time approach
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Courtesy : https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/uswnt-zambia-live-updates-olympics-2024-paris-score-result/LqlnKG7xFvYf/