After a nerve-wracking quarterfinal match against Japan, the USWNT is guaranteed to play in either the bronze or gold medal match. Now, they’ll face Germany again to determine who will play for gold.
Match Review
Emma Hayes rolled with the same starting lineup, minus Sam Coffey, who had to sit out the game due to yellow card accrual. Korbin Albert slotted into the midfield in her absence. The US controlled the first half of the match, but momentum shifted to Japan in the second half. At the end of 90 minutes, the score was 0-0, and the US only registered one shot on goal. Because it was a tie, the match had to go to added extra time, which entails two 15-minute halves.
Trinity Rodman came to the rescue right before the end of the first half of the added extra time. Crystal Dunn found Rodman just outside the box, made a long, diagonal pass to her. She rocketed the ball into the top left corner of the net from a tight angle. The USWNT was able to hold off Japan for the final 15 minutes of extra time, and they will move on to the semifinals.
The assist from Crystal Dunn.
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) August 3, 2024
The goal from Trinity Rodman.
This goal in extra time will be remembered 🇺🇸pic.twitter.com/3m9i9F7qsa
Next, the US will face off against Germany for the second time this tournament. When they last met in the group stage, the US won 4-1. Since then, Tierna Davidson and Emily Fox have sustained injuries in matches and are unknown for the semifinal. Hayes’ decision to constantly start the same roster has raised many questions about how tired the starters are.
This match will likely look very different from the group stage, and it will likely be tight. I still think the USWNT can pull off the win by dominating possession of the ball and continuing to feed the three-headed monster that is Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Mal Swanson.
Fans can watch the USWNT play Germany on Peacock or USA Network at noon ET on Tuesday. Who do you think will pull off the win? Who do you think will ultimately win the gold medal? Let me know what you think in the comments below.
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