Spain and USA on course for Olympic women’s football final showdown

AFP, Lyon :
World Cup holders Spain and four-time gold medallists the United States are on course for a showdown in the Olympic women’s football final with the two heavyweights favourites to win today.
Led by reigning Ballon d’Or Aitana Bonmati, Spain face surprise semi-finalists Brazil in Marseille while a rejuvenated USA under new coach Emma Hayes meet Germany in Lyon.
The Americans are the traditional powerhouse of women’s international football and their performances at the Olympics suggest they are back as a force after a disappointing World Cup last year.
Hayes only took over in May and is still getting to know her team but the USA topped their group with three wins from three and edged an impressive Japan after extra time in the quarter-finals, with Trinity Rodman scoring the crucial goal.