The USWNT’s Olympic opener was a promising curtain-raiser. Going into the game, the team was expected to face a not-so-little challenge from an attacking Zambian side which was claimed to be “better than any team,” in transition by Emma Hayes before the tournament. But, it was almost a walk in the park for the Stars and Stripes which won 3-0 after two youngsters Mallory Swanson and Trinity Rodman entered the scorebooks. However, the former champion and gold winner from 2012 Ali Krieger provides one area of improvement for both the scorers that may prove crucial in the upcoming games.

Speaking on ESPN FC, Krieger emphasized the importance of converting chances. Saying, “I think they could have had a few more balls in the back of the net because they did create those chances. I think it’s just that final touch, it’s in front of the goal to really put the ball in the back of the net,” she suggested that a few easy chances should have gone in. However, Krieger was happy with the performance and credited Swanson and Rodman for their incredible play.

She then continued, “When you create, the front sticks have the ability to get forward and get into those goal-scoring opportunities they have to put the ball in the back of the net, especially in these tournaments it’s really important to get ahead at the very beginning of the game and then you won’t have to worry about the rest,” hoping they would do that from the next game.

Despite, a big winning margin, fans were kept on their toes as many shots were just escaping the net. Swanson could have opened her account in the 14th minute with her header hitting the bar and the rebound was also missed subsequently by Lindsey Horan. USA had a total of 27 attempts with 8 on target but converted 3. However, such chances could prove costly against Germany and Australia who they will face in a tougher challenge.

What challenges await Rodman and Mallory Swanson against Germany?

As easy as it was against Zambia, Germany will be a different ballpark for the USWNT. Taking on a tougher opponent in Australia, Die Nationalelf’s goalkeeper was hardly tested while their attack scored thrice. The Matildas were only able to have two attempts on target finding it hard to pierce the German backline. Hence USWNT’s attack with Mallory Swanson and Rodman will need to be nearly perfect in finishing to edge past them.

Coming to the opening game, it was completely sealed in the first half after the US went three ahead in just 26 minutes. It started with the Washinton Spirit striker scoring a masterpiece in the 17th minute with a Cryuff turn of a ball by captain Lindsey Horan. Then it was taken over by Swanson in the 24th minute, who broke an Olympic record scoring the fastest brace in the Olympics in just 66 seconds. As much as the two stars were appreciated for the match, Kriger’s heads-up can prove vital in keeping their next performances at par. And with what they’ve shown in the last few years, they definitely have the hunger to prove it.