The DFB women will face Zimbabwe in their first group game of the Olympics at the Arena Corinthians in São Paulo on Wednesday evening. It will not only be Silvia Neid’s team’s first international in Brazil but also their first against their opponents from the south of Africa.
The “Mighty Warriors” are trained by Shadreck Mlauzi, who replaced Takaedza Rosemary Mugadza in September 2015. They played their first international on the 11th November 2000 against Uganda in Boksburg (South Africa) and first qualified for a women’s FIFA tournament in 2006. Neither their U17s, U20s or senior team had made it to the finals of a World Cup before and they are the only Olympic team this year to have never taken part in any pirior Olympic Games. They are also the only African representative other than South Africa.
Zimbabwe’s minimalists book place with two wins and two defeats
Zimbabwe only had two opponents in the African qualifiers for the Olympics and both times they followed up 2-1 away defeats with 1-0 home wins, meaning that they progressed on the away goals rule. The third round was even more intriguing: the Ivory Coast won 3-0 in the first leg as the Zimbabwe football association didn’t have the funds for the team to make the trip. This resulted in a 10,000 Euro fine. However, because the Ivory Coast didn’t turn up for the two rescheduled second leg ties and subsequently pulled their team from Olympic qualification, Zimbabwe qualified unopposed.
Germany’s record also shows them as clear favourites, as they have not conceded in six of their last seven matches at the Olympics. With their game they conceded in being the 4-1 loss to Brazil in the 2008 semi-finals. The DFB women are also unbeaten in their opening match of the Olympic tournaments. In which they have competed, recording three wins and a draw. They will be hoping to continue this impressive series in São Paulo.
The DFB women will face Zimbabwe in their first group game of the Olympics at the Arena Corinthians in São Paulo on Wednesday evening. It will not only be Silvia Neid’s team’s first international in Brazil but also their first against their opponents from the south of Africa.
The “Mighty Warriors” are trained by Shadreck Mlauzi, who replaced Takaedza Rosemary Mugadza in September 2015. They played their first international on the 11th November 2000 against Uganda in Boksburg (South Africa) and first qualified for a women’s FIFA tournament in 2006. Neither their U17s, U20s or senior team had made it to the finals of a World Cup before and they are the only Olympic team this year to have never taken part in any pirior Olympic Games. They are also the only African representative other than South Africa.
Zimbabwe’s minimalists book place with two wins and two defeats
Zimbabwe only had two opponents in the African qualifiers for the Olympics and both times they followed up 2-1 away defeats with 1-0 home wins, meaning that they progressed on the away goals rule. The third round was even more intriguing: the Ivory Coast won 3-0 in the first leg as the Zimbabwe football association didn’t have the funds for the team to make the trip. This resulted in a 10,000 Euro fine. However, because the Ivory Coast didn’t turn up for the two rescheduled second leg ties and subsequently pulled their team from Olympic qualification, Zimbabwe qualified unopposed.
Germany’s record also shows them as clear favourites, as they have not conceded in six of their last seven matches at the Olympics. With their game they conceded in being the 4-1 loss to Brazil in the 2008 semi-finals. The DFB women are also unbeaten in their opening match of the Olympic tournaments. In which they have competed, recording three wins and a draw. They will be hoping to continue this impressive series in São Paulo.
