The US women’s team- defending world and Olympic champions – begin their Olympic campaign in Mineirao against New Zealand as red-hot tournament favourites.
Brazil will do their best to deny them a fifth Olympic gold medal in six games.
All-time leading international goalscorer Abby Wambach will be missed -she retired following the World Cup last year.But they still have Carli Loyd who, with 223 caps, will be the most senior and capped player at the tournament.
Brazil will be spearheaded by Marta, record holder for most goals scored at FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments.
Brazil have never won an Olympic gold medal in women’s football and they will doing their best to make the home advantage count this time.
The complete schedule of the games and other sundry bits of interesting information on the FIFA website here..
The USA v/s New Zealand game can be watched here..