Matildas’ path to first-ever Olympic medal revealed as Aussies drawn into group with two powerhouses

The Matildas are facing a tough road to their first Olympic medal after being drawn into a group alongside USA and Germany on Thursday morning.

Tony Gustavsson’s side will later be joined in Group B by either Zambia or Morocco, who face off in an Africa playoff over two legs next month.

The Matildas will be looking to build on last year’s stunning run to the semi-finals at the World Cup and also had a successful last start at the 2020 Games in Tokyo, where they came up just short of a medal.

On that occasion they went down 4-3 to the USA but will have a chance to exact revenge in the group stages.

The US is FIFA’s fourth-ranked nation and has four Olympic gold medals to its name, although it will be without legendary captain Megan Rapinoe.

Germany, meanwhile, won gold at the Rio Games in 2016 and is ranked fifth in the world.

The Matildas did avoid host nation France along with last year’s World Cup winners Spain and Tokyo 2020 gold medallists Canada.

Gustavsson told reporters on Wednesday that “some very good players” will miss out as he prepares to name the Matildas’ Olympic Games squad.

Gustavsson picked a 23-player squad for the April 10 friendly international against Mexico in Texas, but will need to cut that number down a further five names for Paris.

“Unfortunately, due to limited roster spots for the Olympics, that results in some very good players in strong form missing out on selection for this window and for the Olympics,” he said.

“That those (selection) decisions will be difficult speaks to the genuine depth and competition for places that we have created over the past three years.

“We have been consistent on the keys for squad selection which incorporates individual performances for club and in previous camps, combined with connection and chemistry.

“The upcoming international against Mexico will see one eye on preparation mode against a quality opponent who recently defeated the United States while also continuing to implement our evolving playing style ahead of what will be a very competitive Olympic tournament.

“Our attention turns fully to ensuring the best preparation in terms of matches and training activity for the Olympics.”

Matildas squad against Mexico: Mackenzie Arnold, Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley (c), Kyra Cooney-Cross, Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Katrina Gorry, Charlotte Grant, Michelle Heyman, Clare Hunt, Alanna Kennedy, Aivi Luik, Teagan Micah, Courtney Nevin, Clare Polkinghorne, Hayley Raso, Amy Sayer, Kaitlyn Torpey, Emily van Egmond, Cortnee Vine, Clare Wheeler, Jada Whyman, Tameka Yallop.

Full draw for the women’s football tournament at the 2024 Olympic Games:

Group A: France, Canada, Colombia, New Zealand

Group B: USA, Germany, Australia, CAF 2

Group C: Spain, Japan, Brazil, CAF 1

Ties: Zambia vs Morocco & Nigeria vs South African