Sophia Smith scored 2 goals to help the USA defeat 4-1 Germany and move to the quarterfinals of the Paris Olympics on Sunday night. The Americans beat Zambia 3-0 in their opening match, with Mallory Swanson and Lynn Williams scoring.
New Leadership
Emma Hayes, the new coach of the USA team, is leading them in their first big competition since taking over in late May. Hayes is tasked with managing the United States as they want to move on from their disappointing performance at last summer’s Women’s World Cup when they were eliminated in the round of 16.
Olympic Success History
The United States is the most successful Olympic team, having won four gold medals. They earned the bronze medal in the Tokyo Games under the previous coach Vlatko Andonovski, who left after a poor performance in the 2023 World Cup. After six games under Hayes, the US team was focused on capturing another gold medal rather than rebuilding from their early World Cup loss.
Tactical Dominance
This was Hayes’ complete performance to date. In the first few games under the new coach, the USA relied on a strong defensive line and flashes of individual brilliance farther up the field. The team’s victory on Sunday showed a willingness to embrace the principles of its famous coach. Hayes picked an unchanged XI from the squad’s opening against Zambia, positioning her team to dominate the middle of the game. From the start, the United States dominated the speed of the game and generated opportunities.
Key Moments
Ten minutes into the game, Smith hit a cross from Trinity Rodman that went past German goalkeeper Katrin-Ann Berger. In the early minutes, the United States dominated possession, tearing apart Germany’s midfield with deft movement and passes. Giulia Gwinn equalized in the 22nd minute with a low, bouncing shot from just beyond the penalty area that evaded diving US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher.
Offensive Firepower
After equalizing, Germany attempted to match the US numbers in the center of the field, but this frequently left the German defense exposed in a three-on-three battle against the formidable frontline of Smith, Trinity Rodman, and Mallory Swanson. The US forwards capitalized on the available space.
Swanson put the US back up in the 26th. Berger stopped Smith’s long-range shot, but Swanson scored on the rebound. Swanson scored her third goal in the Olympics, becoming the second US player behind Abby Wambach to score three goals in the group stage.
Sophia Smith scored her 2nd goal in the 44th minute, with a high-arcing shot that struck the far post and caromed into the net.
Williams, a replacement, added the last goal in the 89th minute, and Marseille fans screamed “USA! USA!” As time passed.
Injuries and Substitutions
Tierna Davidson of the United States was replaced by Emily Sonnett after leaving the game due to an injury. Alexandra Popp exited in the 76th minute due to what seemed to be a right leg injury. It was a setback to Germany, who was already without midfielder Lena Oberdorf.
Next Matches
The United States will face Australia in Marseille to wrap off group play. Germany, who defeated Australia 3-0 in their Olympic opener, will face Zambia in Saint-Etienne.
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