Don’t get me wrong; I like soccer. But I feel there are ways to make the sport better. The number one change I’d make is eliminating penalty kick shootouts deciding elimination matches. Make it “golden goal” extra time, sudden-death overtime, whatever you want to call it. Only one goal is scored in extra time, and the team that scores it is the winner. Why not? After all, ice hockey has the best overtime in all of sports. You hold your breath for 20 minutes, exhale for a few, then hold it again as double overtime begins.
Tokyo 2020 results:
| Medal | Men |
| Gold | Brazil |
| Silver | Spain |
| Bronze | Mexico |
| Medal | Women |
| Gold | Canada |
| Silver | Sweden |
| Bronze | United States |
Men’s outlook (as of June 11, 2023):
Remember: the men’s soccer tournament at the Olympics is under-23 plus three players over 23. As I write this, only three nations have officially qualified – France, the Dominican Republic, and the United States. That’s what makes picking this so hard. I’ll have a better knowledge of it come mid-July, after Europe and Africa have qualified three teams each. For now, though, I’m going to bet big on France, since they’re at home, they’re already in, and they’re always good.
Update (June 25, 2024):
Brazil apparently did not qualify. That gives the USA a real shot at getting a bronze, which would be amazing for soccer in this country. But I know better than to pin my hopes on USA Soccer! Instead, I’ll bet on a South American team to join France and Spain on the podium.
2024 projections:
| Medal | Men |
| Gold | France |
| Silver | Spain |
| Bronze | Argentina |
Women’s 2024 outlook (as of June 11, 2023):
The United States have won four gold medals, but none since 2012. They’re already qualified for Paris, though, and they’ll be heavy favorites, likely coming off a massive World Cup win. If they don’t win the World Cup… then I’m still picking them. Unlike with the men, the women’s Olympic event is still a big deal, and I wouldn’t doubt the USA’s ability to focus in on winning a tournament that could bring even more attention to women’s sports.
Update (June 25, 2024):
Looks like the World Cup didn’t turn out to be all roses for the USWNT. That’s okay, though, because it only fuels the fire for Paris. The USWNT has something to prove. They are out for revenge. Thus, my prediction isn’t changing, but rather staying the same.
2024 projections:
| Medal | Women |
| Gold | United States |
| Silver | France |
| Bronze | Brazil |
Projected medal count:
| Country | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
| France | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| United States | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Spain | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Argentina | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Brazil | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Tommy A. Phillips 