Spain and US on course for football final showdown

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 US 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.Germany were gold medallists in 2016, the one Olympics in which the US did not win any medal in women’s football. — AFP