Trinity Rodman netted a crucial goal in extra time, leading Emma Hayes’ United States to victory over Japan in the women’s football quarter-finals at Paris 2024.
After a 90-minute stalemate marked by a lack of quality at Parc des Princes, Rodman delivered a stunning curling shot into the top-left corner just before the end of the first half of extra time.
The USA last claimed Olympic gold in London 2012 and are aiming for a fifth Olympic title under newly appointed manager Hayes, who is navigating her first major tournament since taking over in May.
They will compete against either Canada or Germany in the semi-finals on Tuesday.
Historically, the USA has been a powerhouse in international women’s football, but their performance has waned recently, experiencing their worst Women’s World Cup finish in 2023, where they were eliminated by Sweden in the round of 16.
Hayes, a former Chelsea manager who led the Blues to 13 major trophies during her 11-year tenure, now faces the task of revitalizing the team’s fortunes.
On Saturday, Hayes appeared visibly frustrated on the sidelines, often standing with her hands on her hips or arms crossed, expressing exasperation at each missed opportunity by her team.
Despite the scarcity of chances, Sophia Smith came close twice, and Mallory Swanson struggled to get her ambitious shot to dip beneath the crossbar, before Rodman’s late strike ignited celebration among Hayes and the throng of USA supporters.
