USWNT Advance to Gold Medal Match

The USWNT beat Germany 1-0 to reach the gold medal match at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The U.S. plays Brazil next at the Parc de Princes in Paris on August 10, fighting for the team’s fifth Olympic gold medal.

Knockout Rounds

The team faced Japan on August 3 in the quarterfinals. Japan played with a low block, making it difficult for the USWNT forwards Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson and Trinity Rodman to create chances. 

The game remained tied at 0-0 through regular time, sending the game to extra time. Rodman was the match winner for the USWNT in extra time. She beat a Japanese defender in the box and shot the ball into the top left corner of the goal. The USWNT won the game 1-0.

The U.S. then faced Germany in the semifinals. The U.S. had previously beat Germany 4-1 in the group stage, so both teams knew what to expect of their opponent. 

The USWNT did not break open the Germany defense as easily as they had in the 4-1 victory. Defender Naomi Girma broke up nearly every German attack, and the score remained tied at 0-0. The game went to extra time again, and it was Smith’s turn to give the U.S. a 1-0 lead. Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher saved a header with her foot in the final minutes to ensure the USWNT advanced.

Final Preview

Brazil beat reigning world champions Spain 4-2 in the other semifinal to book their place in the final. The U.S. met Brazil in the 2004 and 2008 Olympic finals, both of which the U.S. won.

The game marks Brazilian forward Marta’s final international game, having debuted for her country in 2002. Marta missed the last two games with a red card suspension, so Brazil was motivated to make the final so she could play again and will hope to win a gold medal in her final game. It also gives new USWNT head coach Emma Hayes a chance to claim gold in her first competitive tournament with the team.