Germany vs. Zimbabwe is set to be the biggest mismatch in this year’s women’s Olympic football tournament. The Germans, who are +275 contenders to win the gold, are just a juggernaut offensively. They’re currently steamrolling through their group in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2017 qualifying group, scoring an incredible 30 goals in just six matches; no other team in their group even has 10.
Star striker Anja Mittag (46 goals in 138 caps) headlines a team that has scored 19 goals in its last three games. 11 of those goals came in an 11-0 demolition of another African nation, Ghana, in their final pre-Olympics friendly match. Mittag scored four of those goals in just 42 minutes, and has eight in the team’s last four matches.
On the other side, the Mighty Warriors of Zimbabwe somehow managed to make their very first appearance at the Olympics despite scoring just four goals (by four different players) in four games during CAF qualifying. They fortunately got past the Ivory Coast without even playing a single leg, and won their other two ties via away goals.
Rudo Neshamba was the hero for the Zimbabwe as she scored both of their goals against mighty Cameroon to secure a ticket to Rio. But aside from her, the Mighty Warriors don’t have much in the way of attacking weapons.
The Germans aren’t all attack; they can defend impeccably as well. The German back line is littered with veteran leadership. Saskia Bartusiak, Annike Krahn, and Babett Peter are all vastly experienced campaigners with 95 or more career caps. The German defense hasn’t let in a goal in over 540 minutes of action in Euro 2017 qualifying.
Zimbabwe obviously doesn’t have nearly the same experience or talent level in its squad. In fact, they only have four recognized defenders in their squad. The Mighty Warriors will need an almighty team effort defensively to avoid getting handed an embarrassing loss by the powerful Germans.
Writer’s Prediction: The Germans make a statement right off the blocks with a 7-0 win over Zimbabwe.
