The Super Falcons are gearing up for their final group stage match at the Paris Olympics against Japan at 4 p.m. today, July 31. Despite narrow 1-0 losses to Brazil and Spain in their first two games, the Super Falcons remain hopeful of advancing to the quarter-finals.
Their progression depends on a victory against Japan and Spain defeating Brazil, which could either place them second in their group or secure them a spot as one of the two best-losing teams advancing to the next stage.
Following the recent defeat to Spain, Coach Randy Waldrum highlighted his team’s resilience and capability, noting that they had contended with some of the world’s top teams.
“We lost to two of the best teams in the world. Spain is the top team in the world, and Brazil are in the top 10,” Waldrum said, according to ESPN. “We have shown that we could have got something out of those matches. It shows we can play against anybody in the world.”
The Super Falcons will draw inspiration from their historic performance at the 2000 Olympics when they reached the quarter-finals after a landmark victory over Japan, marking Africa’s first win in the tournament. Despite not qualifying for the Olympics since the 2008 Beijing games, the Falcons aim to leverage their rich history and achievements. Waldrum, only the second coach after the late Ismaila Mabo to lead the Super Falcons to both the World Cup and the Olympic Games, is confident in his team’s potential to make a significant impact.
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