Australia vs USWNT: How to watch the 2020 Olympics bronze medal match live on August 5, 2021

August 4, 2021 By Ali M.

Topics: TV Schedules, Australia, USWNT, Olympic Soccer - Women

The Stars and Stripes will take on the Matildas for a shot at a bronze medal at Tokyo 2020.

Preview

While the U.S. women's national team cannot win the prestigious Women's Olympic Football Tournament gold medal, Thursday offers the chance for the Stars and Stripes to come away from Tokyo 2020 with a medal. Unfortunately for them, they will be facing a competent side in the bronze medal game, taking on Australia at 4 a.m. ET in this event's penultimate fixture.

At Rio 2016, the FIFA Women's World Cup holders crashed out in the quarterfinals, meaning Megan Rapinoe and Co. have improved on their campaign from four years back. However, given how successful the USWNT are, their failure to reach the gold medal match will be seen as just that – a failure.

It was none other than their North American rivals Canada who sent the world champions packing, with Jessie Fleming scoring the only goal in that semi-final showdown late on in the first half. This defeat came despite Vlatko Andonovski's side outshooting their opponents. Regardless, none can say this loss was shocking as there had been warning signs for the four-time gold medalists.

The Stars and Stripes endured a torrid opening day, losing 3-0 to finalists Sweden in their first group-stage fixture. Matchday 2 saw an improved performance from the international giants, beating New Zealand 6-1; however, they were forced to share the points with Australia in their Group G curtain closer. The Netherlands was their opponent in the last eight, with the USA only overcoming their European rivals via penalty shootout.

As mentioned earlier, this will be the second encounter between Australia and the USWNT, with the Matildas playing out a goalless draw. This means Sam Kerr and Co. registered only one victory in the normal 90 minutes throughout the tournament so far, with that sole victory coming in their opening day triumph over New Zealand.

Two draws followed that 2-1 win and while Australia overcame Great Britain in the quarterfinals, they needed extra time to pull off that victory. The AFC representatives have nonetheless enjoyed their Olympic Game semifinal debut in their 1-0 loss to Sweden, having never made it past the last eight before. A bronze medal would be the best end to their Tokyo 2020 campaign.

Team news

Australia: Ellie Carpenter is suspended thanks to her straight sending off in the semifinal defeat to Sweden. Aivi Luik could deputize in her absence while star attacker Sam Kerr will lead the line once again, aiming to add to her impressive tally of five goals in the tournament.

USWNT: Franch could start in goal after Naeher picked up an injury in the 1-0 loss to Canada. Given that Stars and Stripes veterans Megan Rapinoe and Carli Lloyd started in their nations only win inside 90 minutes, the pair could return to the lineup for this bronze medal fixture.