Following Manchester City’s strong campaign in the 2023/24 Barclays Women’s Super League, four stars have been selected to represent their countries at the upcoming Olympic Games.
The team of Gareth Taylor equalled our best ever points tally in the division last season, taking the title race to the final day before being held at the top on goal difference.
Through an exciting and rollercoaster campaign – we achieved a series of victories and broke records along the way.
These results earned certain players in our squad individual recognition, which continued with Australia, Japan and Spain including them in their teams for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the prestigious football tournament.
WATCH: The best of City’s 2023/24 WSL season
Australia
The Matildas will be looking to build on their 2023 World Cup semi-final appearance at the Olympics and compete at the top of the table in another competition.
After excellent campaigns for City, the defender Alanna Kennedy and the versatile striker Mary Fowler were included in the Australian squad.
They made a combined 45 appearances across all competitions for Taylor’s side last season and played a vital role in our quest for the WSL title.
Kennedy registered an assist in March’s 3-1 win over Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium, after playing a starring role in our iconic victory against Marc Skinner’s side at Old Trafford in November.
In the tight battle for the championship, Fowler stood out by racking up an impressive 10 goals in the last eight games of the period.
The Matildas were placed in Group B with Germany, the United States of America and Zambia.
games
Germany v Australia | 18:00 (UK) | Thursday 25 July | Stade Vélodrome, Marseille |
Australia v Zambia | 18:00 (UK) | Sunday 28 July | Allianz Riviera, Nice |
Australia v United States | 6pm (UK) | Wednesday 31 July | Stade Vélodrome, Marseille |
team
Goalkeepers: Mackenzie Arnold, Teagan Micah
Defenses: Steph Catley, Ellie Carpenter, Clare Hunt, Alanna KennedyClare Polkinghorne, Kaitlyn Torpey.
Midfielders: Kyra Cooney-Cross, Mary FowlerKatrina Gorry, Emily van Egmond, Clare Wheeler, Tameka Yallop.
Attackers: Caitlin Foord, Michelle Heyman, Hayley Raso, Cortnee Vine.
Japan
Japan have enjoyed successful Olympic campaigns in recent years, reaching the quarter-finals on home soil three years ago after claiming silver at London 2012.
Yui Hasegawa was instrumental in Nadeshiko reaching the semi-finals and she should be a key player again for Futoshi Ikeda’s team after stamping her authority on the WSL last season.
The combative and elegant midfielder made 30 appearances in all competitions for City in 2023/24 – more than any other player – where she not only provided protection for our defence but also possessed the ability to spark our own attacks. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
Japan have been drawn into Group C and will face Spain, Brazil and Nigeria.
games
Spain v Japan | 16:00 (UK) | Thursday 25 July | Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes |
Brazil v Japan | 6pm (UK) | Sunday 28th July | Parc des Princes |
Japan v Nigeria | 16:00 (UK) | Wednesday 31 July | Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes |
team
Goalkeepers: Ayaka Yamashita and Chika Hirao.
Defenses: Saki Kumagi, Risa Shimizu, Hikaru Kitagawa, Moeka Minami, Hana Takahashi, Rion Ishikawa, Toko Koga.
Midfielders: Kiko Seika, Yui Hasegawa, Honoka Hayashi, Fuka Nagano, Hinata Miyazawa, Aoba Fujino, and Momoko Tanikawa.
Attackers: Mina Tanaka, Riko Ueki, and Maika Hamano.
Spain
World champions Spain will be eyeing gold for the second summer running after reigning victorious at the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
In its ranks, La Roja has two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas and one-time Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati.
They also called upon the services of City defender, Laia Aleixandri – who has made the most appearances for Taylor’s side in 2023/24 across all competitions.
As the boss has looked to implement a fluid backline with each member swapping positions throughout each match, it’s no surprise to see Aleixandri playing a starring role for City as we push for the WSL title.
And she is likely to play a similar hybrid role for Spain when they face Japan, Nigeria and Brazil in Group C.
matches
Spain v Japan | 16:00 (UK) | Thursday 25 July | Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes |
Spain v Nigeria | 18:00 (UK) | Sunday 28 July | Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes |
Brazil v Spain | 16:00 (UK) | Wednesday 31 July | Matmut Atlantico, Bordeaux |
team
Goalkeepers: Cata Coll, Misa Rodriguez.
Defenses: Laia AleixandriOna Batlle, Olga Carmona, Laia Codina, Oihane Hernandez, Irene Paredes.
Midfielders: Teresa Abelleira, Aitana Bonmati, Patri Guijarro, Alexia Putellas, Jennifer Hermoso.
Attackers: Athenea del Castillo, Mariona Caldentey, Lucia Garcia, Eva Navarro, Salma Paralluelo.
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2024-07-09 22:50:15
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