Challenging Olympic soccer groups ahead

AUSTRALIA’S football teams have been handed difficult draws for this year’s tournaments at the Tokyo Olympics in Japan.

The Matildas have landed in a group with World Cup champions and four-time Gold Medallists USA as well as Sweden, ranked fifth in the world, and neighbours New Zealand.

The Aussie women’s side, captained by superstar Sam Kerr, is currently ranked ninth on the FIFA charts.

The U23 Olyroos will have to be on their game as they come up against 2004 and 2008 Gold Medal winner Argentina, along with Spain (1992 champions) and African powerhouse Egypt in what looms as an enormous challenge for Graham Arnold’s team.

Both teams are chasing their first medals at the Olympics which takes place between July 23 and August 8 having been postponed form 2020 due to the COVID pandemic.

Matildas draw – Group G – Sweden, USA, Australia, New Zealand

Matildas fixture – Australia v New Zealand, July 21 at Tokyo Stadium. Sweden v Australia, July 24 at Saitama Stadium. United States v Australia, July 27 at Kashima Stadium.

Olyroos draw – Group C – Egypt, Spain, Argentina, Australia

Olyroos fixture – Argentina v Australia, July 22 at Sapporo Dome. Australia v Spain, July 25 at Sapporo Dome. Australia v Egypt, July 28 at Miyagi Stadium, Rifu.

– BY ANDREW SLEVISON/ SEN