New Zealand vs USWNT: USA look to recover after shock result in 2nd Olympics game on July 24th

Topics: TV Schedules, New Zealand, USWNT, 2020 Olympic Games

After a shock loss in their opening game, the USWNT will look to rebound as they take on New Zealand for matchday two of the 2020 Olympic Games.

Preview: New Zealand vs the USWNT

Suffice it to say, both teams will be looking to get back on track in this one. New Zealand come into this match having lost 2-1 to Australia in what was the first game in nearly 16 months for the Ferns. Due to COVID-19, the team were unable to travel anywhere to play and naturally, came into this tournament quite a bit short on match fitness and form. Tom Sermanni's squad are an interesting mix of experienced veterans and youngsters who have yet to make their senior debut, and the 2018 OFC Women's Nations Cup winners are making their fourth consecutive appearance at an Olympic Games.

That win at the OFC Women's Nations Cup marked the fourth in a row for the Ferns, who cruised to an easy victory after outscoring their opponents 43-0 over the course of just five matches. However, their record against the USWNT is quite dismal, to say the least. This will be the fourth time the two teams are meeting at an Olympics, and it's Team USA who have dominated thus far. In fact, not only have New Zealand never beaten the USWNT in this competition, they've yet to score against them, posting a record so far of three losses and eight goals conceded.

Still, despite their underdog position, the Ferns may take some hope from the results of the USWNT's last game. Shockingly, the no. 1 ranked team in the world were beaten 3-0 by Sweden, which marks only the second time in their Olympic history that they've lost their tournament opener. The Scandinavian side also managed to ruin a 44-game unbeaten streak for the reigning World Cup champions, and this loss also marks the Stars and Stripes' worst in an Olympic Games; prior to that, they'd suffered another shock reversal to another Scandinavian side, Norway, during the 2008 edition of this event.

After the same Sweden ended the USWNT's Olympic dreams back in 2016, thus resulting in their finishing in fifth place, the pressure will be on them to get things right this summer. Will they be able to quickly rebound and get back to winning ways? Or will New Zealand be the latest team to give the world champs a huge shock?

Team news: New Zealand vs the USWNT

New Zealand: The Ferns have a full-strength squad, but may make some slight modifications ahead of their clash with the reigning world champions.

USWNT: No injuries so far, but this game could see some squad rotation for Team USA. Chicago Red Stars midfielder Julie Ertz could be given a start after coming off the bench, while veteran attacker Megan Rapinoe, who only featured briefly, could also be installed in the starting XI.

Match facts: New Zealand vs the USWNT

This will be the fourth time New Zealand and the USWNT meet at an Olympic Games (after 2008, 2012, and 2016)
To date, the Ferns have never beaten the Stars and Stripes in this competition, with a record of L3
In addition, New Zealand have yet to score against the USWNT at an Olympic Games, while conceding 8
New Zealand have only beaten the USWNT once in 17 prior attempts (D1 L1)