The Tokyo Summer Olympics is off and running and group play is starting to take shape as Matchday 2 of the women's soccer tournament concluded. The United States had a massive bounce-back win over New Zealand in Group G, while in Group F, Brazil-Netherlands and China-Zambia put on a show with thrilling high-scoring draws. Let's rank every nation based on their performance and see where things shake out our Olympic Power Rankings. For a look at our previous rankings, click here.
1. Sweden (--)
The Blue and Yellow continue their impressive run by picking up a second win against Australia. Sweden connected on four goals over 10 shots in a 4-2 victory over Australia, which guarantees them top two in the group and a spot in the knockout stage. Only way they don't win the group is if they slip up and fail to win against bottom-dwellers New Zealand and the United States or Australia pick up three points and run up the score to boost their goal differential.
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2. United States (+7)
The U.S. brushed off first-game criticism after a disappointing loss to Sweden with a statement 6-1 win over the Ferns of New Zealand. The coaching staff and players referred to this as a must-win in their group stage. The lofty goal total currently now has them second in the group and in our rankings.
3. Great Britain (-1)
Team GB are the first team leap-frogged by the United States. They haven't exactly done anything wrong but three combined goals against Chile and Japan is a low enough total to put them just outside the elite range. They've got a good mix of players and they could win a gold medal without it being a shock. They'll just have to show a little more to do so.
4. Netherlands (-2)
The Netherlands drops one spot after a 3-3 draw against Brazil. The Dutch side had a lead during the second half but briefly let it slip before Dominique Janssen slotted the late equalizer. Vivianne Miedema also continued making her case for world's best player with two more goals, leaving her tied for the tournament lead with six.
5. Brazil (-2)
Marta's side drops down two spots after picking up a draw against the Netherlands. The Brazilians squared off against the European powerhouse and had a second-half lead but their defense couldn't secure the win. Getting draws against good teams isn't bad, it's just not good enough for one of the top couple of spots in a stacked tournament.
6. Canada (+1)
After a draw to host Japan in the opener, Canada bounced back with a 2-1 win over Chile. The team needed a first half to truly get going, but secured the win with a brace from Janine Beckie.
7. Australia (-2)
The squad had opportunities in front of goal they couldn't capitalize on in the 4-2 loss to Sweden, including a failed penalty-kick attempt from Sam Kerr. They now need a win against United States to finish second in the group.
8. Zambia (+1)
Zambia had a quick response after going down an early goal against China during Matchday 2, and team is flying high off another hat-trick performance from Barbra Banda and slowly climbing our rankings. Nobody would have predicted they'd have a shot at the knockout rounds, but now with the right combination of results, they're in with a shout.
9. Japan (-3)
The Olympic hosts drop after a narrow loss to Great Britain. The team struggled to generate any goals in the 1-0 loss and are now currently in third place in the group with a game remaining against Chile.
10. Chile (+1)
Chile finally got on the score sheet in the Olympics but it wasn't enough to pull off a result as they dropped their second Olympic group match. The 2-1 loss against Canada has a silver lining that with a win and perhaps goal differential they could advance out of the group.
11. China (+1)
The team broke through on goal thanks to midfielder Shuang Wang, who tallied four goals against Zambia in a 4-4 draw. The team now faces a must-win scenario against the Netherlands if they look to advance out of the group. All in all, China seem headed for a very disappointing tournament
12. New Zealand (-2)
It's all over but the shouting for New Zealand after their 6-1 loss to the United States in Matchday 2. Thanks to back-to-back losses, the Football Ferns sit dead last in Group G and need a win against Sweden while overturning a massive goal differential in the process. Oh, not only that, but they need a loss from Australia to help their cause. Slim chances.
