Soccer legend says the Matildas are NO CHANCE of grabbing gold at the Paris Olympics

Football legend Julie Foudy has made the controversial statement that the Matildas will not win a medal at the Paris Olympics.

Foudy, 53, is better qualified to give her opinion than most given her successful career.

The midfielder won two World Cups with the US national team as well as two Olympic gold medals before finishing her international career with 274 caps and 45 goals to her name.

She was also the first American female soccer player to receive the FIFA Fair Play Award.

Foudy does not believe the Matildas can overcome the absence of star striker Sam Kerr.

‘I think they can get out of their group, but I think it’s a bridge too far this time without Sam Kerr…[plus] Caitlin Foord is coming back from injury and Katrina Gorry in midfield is coming back from injury,” Foudy said News Corp.

I’m worried that they [Matildas] do not have the health [depth] to maintain them.

We know you’re going to need all 16 players [this tournament]it’s a rut.’

Foudy doesn’t believe the Matildas will be able to overcome the absence of superstar striker Sam Kerr (Mary Fowler is pictured embracing the pressure she will be under in Paris)

Experienced striker Michelle Heyman has been called up to the Matildas Olympics squad in a direct swap for Sam Kerr

Foudy also doubts whether the US, which also includes the Matildas, Germany and Zambia, can progress beyond the group stage.

“It’s a younger group that has clearly parted ways with some experienced players, and I think that was necessary,” she said.

‘They can win, but they can also be knocked out of the group.

“I have hope for that group because it feels like they’ve been re-energized. I’m just worried that they haven’t had enough time to get on the same page as the rest of us. [new coach Emma] Hayes wants that.

The Matildas open their Olympic campaign against Germany on Friday, July 26 at 3am (AEST).

Steph Catley will captain the team, while Kerr will provide moral support from the bench as she recovers from her anterior cruciate ligament tear in January.

Young Mary Fowler is expected to become the Matildas’ X-factor, and she’s up for the challenge.

‘The first [Olympic Games in Tokyo] “It was a little bit different because I didn’t expect it and it was a childhood dream of mine, so I had tears in my eyes that I achieved that,” she said.

‘This time I’m more focused on tournaments and football.

‘I want to go there, I want to win and I want to help the team as much as possible.’