The United States women’s soccer team is poised to further enhance its impressive legacy as they face off in the Paris Olympics gold medal match this weekend, following a hard-fought 1-0 extra-time victory against Germany in the semifinals this Tuesday.
Forward Sophia Smith was the standout performer, netting her third goal of the Olympics just five minutes into extra time to secure the lead for the U.S.
She outmaneuvered defender Felicitas Rauch and found the net past German goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger.
Sophia Smith (11) of the United States celebrates after scoring as Ann-Katrin Berger (12) of Germany reacts during extra time in the women’s semifinal match at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de Lyon on August 6, 2024, in Lyon, France. (Andrea Vilchez/ISI/Getty Images)
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Germany had previously been defeated 4-1 by the USWNT in the group stage and were unable to hand the U.S. its first loss of this Olympic series. The Germans were missing captain Alexandra Popp due to illness and forward Lea Schuller, who was sidelined with an inflamed right knee.
The first half saw limited opportunities from both teams, with Germany focusing on defense without Popp and Schuller. Rose Lavelle had a chance for the U.S. early in the game, but her shot went directly into Berger’s grasp.
The second half provided more chances for the U.S., but it was Smith’s decisive goal in the crowded field that propelled the U.S. to victory.
U.S. forward Sophia Smith (11) celebrates with teammate Lynn Williams (8) after their semifinal victory over Germany at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (Arnaud Finistre/AFP via Getty Images)
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Saturday’s match against the winner of Brazil and Spain will be a critical test for the U.S. women’s squad.
Despite having won four gold medals, the most by any team in Olympic history, the U.S. has not reached the finals in the last two Olympic events. They fell in the quarterfinals in 2016 in Rio and finished with a bronze in Tokyo three years ago.
However, the U.S. has a chance to reclaim the gold for the fifth time in USWNT history.
U.S. players celebrate following their semifinal match against Germany at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Lyon on August 6, 2024. The team triumphed 1-0 after Sophia Smith scored in the 95th minute of extra time. (Arnaud Finistre/AFP via Getty Images)
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Brazil was leading Spain 2-0 at halftime.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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