It's Day 4 of the Tokyo Olympics, and Team USA female athletes are once again taking center stage in the Summer Games. Leading the American charge today is Simone Biles, who will participate in the team competition in women's gymnastics. Also taking place today is the gold medal match in the women's softball event between the host nation Japan and the United States.
The U.S. women's basketball team will also finally see action on Day 4 as they begin their campaign in this year's Olympics. The U.S. women's soccer team, on the other hand, will look to seal a spot in the quarterfinals when they take on Australia in their final group match.
United States looking for payback 13 years after shock loss
It has been 13 years since a gold medal match in the Summer Olympics took place between Team USA and Japan. In that contest, Japan scored a huge upset over powerhouse United States to win the gold medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Unfortunately for the Americans who wanted revenge, the softball event was removed from the Olympic program, that is until now.
It is only fitting that the same two nations will contest the ultimate prize. After going unbeaten in their respective opening four matches, Japan and Team USA entered yesterday's clash with their spots in the gold medal match already secure. Team USA pulled off a narrow 2-1 win in the gold medal preview with Kelsey Stewart hitting the winning walk-off home run.
For U.S. pitchers Cat Osterman and Monica Abbott, who were on the roster back in 2008, victory would mean nothing if they couldn't beat Japan in the gold medal match. The much-anticipated final rematch starts at 7:00 a.m. ET on NBCSN.
Also gunning for gold on Day 4 is the U.S. women's gymnastics team in the all-around final. The Americans' aura of invincibility in this competition was shattered in qualifying as they finished a surprise second to Russian Olympic Committee (ROC).
That being said, Team USA remains the favorites to grab its third consecutive gold medal in this event as the Americans have the best gymnast in the world right now in Simone Biles. She will be joined in the team competition by Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, and Grace McCallum. The women's team all-around final begins at 6:45 a.m. ET.
Related Article: Tokyo Olympics Day 3: When, Where and How to Watch Team USA Events
USA women's soccer and basketball athletes looking for Day 4 wins
Women's soccer competition resumes for Team USA on Day 4, with the Americans squaring off with Australia in their final group match. The United States bounced back from their stunning 3-0 loss to Sweden in their group opener as they dismantled New Zealand 6-1 a few days later.
It will be an important game in terms of positioning and qualifying for the knockout stage. A win or a draw against Australia would be enough for Team USA to advance to the quarterfinals. The Americans can also still advance even with a loss as the top two third-place teams in this event will also move into the knockout round. Action starts at 4:00 a.m. ET on USA Network.
The U.S. women's basketball team begins its quest for a seventh consecutive Olympic gold medal with a preliminary round game against Nigeria. The Americans, led by WNBA stars Diana Taurasi, Breanna Stewart, and flag-bearer Sue Bird, are heavily favored to prevail in this match.
They crushed Nigeria 93-62 earlier this month to snap their two-game losing streak in exhibition matches. Action starts at 12:40 a.m. ET on USA Network.
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