USWNT in the Olympics: Recap of the Group Stage
The USWNT’s Group Stage performance at the Olympics was almost flawless. Three wins in three matches with nine goals scored, and two goals allowed indicates this team is getting the job done in all areas of the pitch. Now, there have been a few hiccups defensively. All three of their opponents had good chances to come back into their respective games. Especially Australia, who nearly tied the game in the last minute of stoppage time. As long as Alyssa Naeher and Naomi Girma maintain their high level of play, they should be enough to get the USWNT to the medal rounds. Here’s how their three games in the Group Stage at the Olympics went down.
USWNT vs. Zambia- 3-0
As expected, the USWNT was dominant against Zambia. Their poor finishing from the two previous friendlies carried over into the first 15 minutes of this match. The Stars and Stripes hit the bar twice and missed numerous chances before Trinity Rodman finally ended the drought in the 17th minute. The “Trin Spin,” as it’s been called, was a beautiful move and finish that opened the floodgates.
The US are bullying Zambia but this is a special Trinity Rodman goal #uswnt
— Justin Horneker (@hornekerjustin) July 25, 2024
Mallory Swanson added two more goals just a minute apart to secure the 3-0 win. Zambia was reduced to 10 players in the first half, which allowed the USWNT to rest their starters in the second half. At first, it seemed like the USA should’ve gone for more against Zambia, but Emma Hayes’s decision not to score more would prove to be the right decision. The starters were properly rested and ready for Germany in the second group stage game.
USWNT vs. Germany- 4-1
If you’d said before the game that the scoreline would’ve been 4-1, I’d say you’ve lost your mind. This is the worst loss the United States has handed Germany since 2010, when they beat them 4-0. Sophia Smith struck first with a composed finish, but what makes this goal beautiful is its simplicity.
Sophia Smith scores her first #ParisOlympics goal for the United States! 🇺🇸
📺 USA Network and Peacock pic.twitter.com/YLRa9t9FJu
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) July 28, 2024
A quick one-two between Rose Lavelle and Trinity Rodman put Rodman in behind easily. A low cross into the box was left alone by Mallory Swanson nicely, opening up the space for Sophia Smith to smash it home. This set the tone for the rest of the game. Of course, Germany didn’t go away in the first half, and Giulia Gwinn scored an incredible long-range goal to beat Alyssa Naeher.
¡SE EMPATÓ EL PARTIDO! 🚨
Giulia Gwinn marca de fuera del área y empareja el encuentro 👊
📺 Peacock ➡️ https://t.co/I9TbIyfFTj
📱 Telemundo APP ➡️ https://t.co/qAcmmR6Zuy#OlimpicosTelemundo #ParisOlympics #USWNT pic.twitter.com/XqTEk5Dg6y— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) July 28, 2024
However, the USWNT didn’t waver and continued to attack the Germans. Mallory Swanson did what every great striker does, which is follow up on a missed shot. Ann Katerin Berger got her hands on it but didn’t parry it away far enough. Swanson’s opportunistic mentality created the goal as she had an easy tap-in to restore the USWNT’s lead. Sophia Smith got her second goal of the game just before halftime. The deflection off the defender was a stroke of luck, but when you do the right things, you can create your own luck. Sometimes, it’s better to be lucky than good. Once that goal went in, it appeared to deflate the Germans, with the goal being close to halftime.
Lynn Williams added the fourth goal at the end of the game, with the Germans pushing most of their team forward. The USWNT on the counter-attack is simply too good.
¡YA ES GOLEADA DE ESTADOS UNIDOS! 🥳
Lynn Williams entra de cambio y marca el cuarto en el encuentro ⚽️
📺 Peacock ➡️ https://t.co/I9TbIyfFTj
📱 Telemundo APP ➡️ https://t.co/qAcmmR6Zuy#OlimpicosTelemundo #ParisOlympics #USWNT pic.twitter.com/tB6L9xvf1j— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) July 28, 2024
This win sealed their place in the quarterfinal, but they needed a result in the last group stage match against the Matildas to win the group.
USWNT vs. Australia- 2-1
In spite of dominating possession, this was the closest match that the USWNT had in the group stage. After conceding five goals to Zambia, the Matildas were resolute in their defending for much of the first half against the United States. Eventually, Trinity Rodman would find the breakthrough from close range off of a corner kick. The ball pinged around and Rodman was the first to it with a tap-in. VAR confirmed she wasn’t offside either. The game was still in the balance for most of the second half. Then Korbin Albert scored a screamer to give the USA a 2-0 lead.
LET IT RIP, KORBS!!! 🚀🚀🚀
🎥 » @TelemundoSports
pic.twitter.com/cdE3jf533k— U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) July 31, 2024
However, after the second goal went in, it felt like the USWNT relaxed just a bit and allowed the Aussies to come back into the game. Alanna Kennedy scored off a nice headed assist from Michelle Heyman to bring the game back to 2-1 in stoppage time. The Matildas knew if they could just get one more goal, they’d make it through with a draw to get them to four points. Alanna Kennedy whiffed on a header from close range with Alyssa Naeher charging toward her and the ball. Naeher missed it, and if Kennedy gets a head on it, it’s 2-2, the Matildas are through, and the match ends in the draw. This was truly a game of inches.
The USWNT has lived dangerously on occasion, and that was one of a few instances in the group stages. If Alyssa Naeher and Naomi Girma continue to make the saves and interceptions they’re making to go with the attack-outscoring teams, they’ll win the Gold Medal. However, against a team like Spain or Japan, they have to be careful because those are the high-level teams that will make them pay for their mistakes ruthlessly.
Still, the USWNT should be a favorite in Spain to make the Gold Medal game. They’re three wins away from standing atop the podium as champions.
Featured image via @uswnt on Instagram
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