Bonjour, Footies! ⚽ The opening day of the Olympic women's soccer tournament did not disappoint. The USWNT kicked off their campaign with a commanding 3-0 win over Zambia, with a stunning goal from Trinity Rodman and a brace from Swanson. France survived a heart-pounding scare against Colombia, clinching a 3-2 victory with a little help from VAR. Germany flexed their muscles with a clinical 3-0 triumph over Australia, while Canada showed their fighting spirit, coming from behind to edge out New Zealand 2-1. Over in Group C, Marta made a magical assist in Brazil's 1-0 victory over Nigeria, proving she's still got it in her final international tournament. And let's not forget Spain, who bounced back to beat Japan 2-1 after an early stunner from Aoba Fujino. The Olympic action is just heating up, and the women are back on the field this Sunday!

POST OF THE WEEK 📱

Don’t tell these boys women can’t be role models!

The internet was quick to set the record straight: the idea that “women can’t be role models for boys in sports” is utterly wrong. Women are powerful role models for everyone, regardless of gender or age. Their strength, talent, and leadership inspire us all!

🛸 Flying Offside 🇨🇦

A drone walks into a bar, and the bartender says, “What’ll it be?” The drone replies, “Just a light beer—I’m on autopilot tonight!

Canada's Olympic women's soccer team has been hit with a major blow as head coach Bev Priestman has been suspended over allegations of using drones to spy on opponents. The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) announced that Priestman will not lead the team at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, following a FIFA and IOC investigation that linked her to drone use predating the Olympics.

Canada Soccer CEO Kevin Blue revealed that new information had surfaced regarding the drone incidents, prompting the decision to suspend Priestman until an independent investigation is completed. Assistant coach Andy Spence will step in as interim coach for the remainder of the games.

The controversy erupted days after a non-accredited member of the Canada Soccer team was detained by French authorities in Saint-Étienne for improper drone usage. This led to the immediate dismissal of two staff members, Joseph Lombardi and assistant coach Jasmine Mander. Priestman denied any involvement, asserting her accountability for the team while distancing herself from the drone operations. Despite the drama, Team Canada made a strong start by defeating New Zealand 2-1 in their Olympic debut. They are set to face the host nation, France, on July 28.

Strike a pose. Vogue (vogue, vogue)

Trinity Rodman scored her first Olympic goal yesterday in dazzling style, marking a fantastic debut in the 2024 Paris Games. She’s not only gracing the pitch with her presence but also the pages of Vogue! As the 22-year-old forward for the USWNT embraces the shift from high-speed offense to a more nuanced playstyle, she’s thriving in this new era, focusing on the need to "change the rhythm, slow it down, and find the moment." Reflecting on past USWNT highlights, like Alex Morgan’s dramatic header against Canada in 2012, Rodman draws inspiration from her idols, including Tobin Heath’s creativity and Kobe Bryant’s intense mentality. Off the pitch, her fashion sense echoes her father Dennis Rodman’s iconic style—bold, colorful, and personal. She’s enthusiastic about her Adidas F50 cleats and her vintage orange Gucci bag, making a strong statement both on and off the field. With this blend of soccer passion and standout fashion, Rodman is poised to make a memorable impact at the Olympics.

No Room For Abuse in Sports Media: Barton Faces Charges

Joey Barton is facing charges for "malicious communications" after his offensive tweets targeting former England player Eni Aluko. The court case, scheduled for July 30, comes after Barton compared Aluko and fellow pundit Lucy Ward to serial killers Fred and Rose West. Aluko has condemned these attacks as some of the worst social media abuse she’s encountered, worsened by Barton’s massive following. Barton has slammed the British legal system as a "banana republic" and claimed it's unjustly punishing him for his views. His relentless criticism of female broadcasters reflects broader issues of abuse and gender discrimination in sports media.

🚀 Houston We Have a Problem🌪️

In a dramatic Texas twist, Alex Singer’s 23-month stint as GM of the Houston Dash has ended faster than a country song's sad verse. Hired with the hope of transforming one of the NWSL's perennial strugglers, Singer’s tenure saw more ups and downs than a rollercoaster at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Despite a promising start, things quickly soured with the Dash languishing near the bottom of the table, a coach on leave, and star players publicly disgruntled. Her tenure was marked by a mix of high-profile transfers, head coach changes, and a series of unfortunate events that left fans feeling like they were stuck in a soap opera. As Singer exits stage left, the Dash are left to rebuild yet again, proving that in Houston, change is the only constant.

🌟📺 THE STREAM TEAM!!

Finally, a win for women's soccer fans – YouTube is now the new streaming home for the Women's Super League (WSL), replacing the FA Player. Say goodbye to buffering and hello to smooth streaming! All 66 WSL games not broadcast by Sky Sports or the BBC will be live on YouTube.

Here’s the scoop:

• YouTube will stream all non-televised WSL games and select Women’s Championship matches globally.

• Each league’s YouTube channel will feature highlights, post-match interviews, and extra content.

• The FA Player will still stream live Women’s FA Cup fixtures.

This change comes after the WSL confirmed it’s continuing its domestic rights deals with Sky Sports and the BBC. Sky Sports will air up to 44 WSL games for the 2024/25 season, while the BBC will broadcast 22 live games, with 18 on its main channels and all 22 on iPlayer.

Nikki Doucet, the WSL chief, said, “Transitioning to YouTube as our streaming service is a landmark moment. The FA Player played a crucial role in our growth, but with Sky Sports, the BBC, and now YouTube, watching women’s professional football in the UK has never been easier. We’re excited for current and future fans to enjoy our leagues with just a click.”

Oshoala & Nkwocha: African Legends

Asisat Oshoala and Perpetual Nkwocha have earned their spots on ESPN's list of the 25 Best Athletes of the 21st Century. Oshoala, currently dazzling for Bay FC in the NWSL, has bagged the African Women's Player of the Year award six times and scored 92 goals in five stellar seasons with Barcelona, leading them to multiple league titles and Champions League victories. Nkwocha, a prolific goalscoring midfielder, dominated African women's football, winning the African title five times with Nigeria and making a name for herself in Sweden as both a player and a coach. Their remarkable achievements highlight the extraordinary talent and dedication of African athletes on the global stage! 🌍⚽🌟

Spain's Wage Rift.

How Is This Still A Thing!?

Sports lawyer Eva Parera, vying to become the first female president of Spain's national soccer federation (RFEF), argues against equal pay for male and female soccer players, citing revenue differences. Her stance, highlighted in a recent El Mundo interview, comes amid increased attention on women's soccer with the upcoming Olympic Games. Despite Spain's impressive achievements in women's soccer, including Barcelona's dominance in the Champions League and record-breaking match attendances, Parera believes the sport's recent professionalization doesn't yet justify equal salaries. While some, like Real Betis player Hector Bellerín, advocate for pay parity, Parera emphasizes the need to boost women's soccer's attractiveness and profitability first. In contrast, the U.S. women's national team has successfully achieved equal pay, setting a precedent for other countries. This debate unfolds as the RFEF faces broader challenges, including improving its tarnished reputation and making women’s soccer self-sustainable.

Season Opener with a Miedema Twist

Vivianne Miedema is set to make a dramatic return to the Emirates as Manchester City’s newest recruit faces off against her former team, Arsenal, in the Women’s Super League season opener. After a seven-year stint with Arsenal, where she became the league's top scorer, Miedema’s move to City promises to add a thrilling subplot to the season. Her first appearance in a City jersey will be a high-stakes affair, and the Emirates will be buzzing with anticipation as she lines up against her old squad on September 22. The clash is more than just a game; it's a reunion with a side she dominated for years, now with the potential to spoil their season kickoff.

As Miedema returns to the stadium where she made a name for herself, City will be looking to start their campaign on a high note. Arsenal fans will be eager to see how their former hero fares against them, while City fans will hope she brings the same spark that once lit up the Emirates. It’s a matchup brimming with emotional and competitive energy, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying season opener.

Cascarino “Waves” Goodbye to Lyon 🌊

The NWSL transfer window is about to open, but the excitement is already building! French star Delphine Cascarino is set to make waves with San Diego Wave FC after the Paris Olympics. A Lyon legend with 23 titles, including the UEFA Women’s Champions League, and 45 goals to her name, Cascarino is swapping her French home for San Diego’s sunny shores. Her two-and-a-half-year contract, with an option through 2027, promises to inject much-needed firepower into the Wave’s offense. This move highlights the NWSL's growing global appeal, drawing in more world-class talent and boosting star power and diversity across the competition. As Cascarino wraps up her Olympic adventure with France, San Diego eagerly awaits the electrifying boost she’ll bring to their attack! ⚽🏅

📚 Football Lexicon

What is tiki-taka?

You may have heard Lindsey Horan drop "tiki-taka" in an interview. No, she’s not making up words! Tiki-taka is a football style all about short, rapid-fire passes and keeping the ball glued to your team’s feet. It’s a dance of fluid movements, constant rotations, and technical wizardry. Can you guess which country is famous for this mesmerizing style of play?

Is Stoppage Time A Mystery To You?

Check out our explanation of what stoppage time is, why there is stoppage time in football and how to read the clock.