The USWNT have knocked Germany out of the gold-medal race in the Olympics, securing themselves a place on the podium in either first or second place.
The two sides met during the group stage, the USA coming out on top of a 4-1 win. The US side regained suspended Sam Coffey, who picked up 2 yellows in the group stage, as well as Tierna Davidson coming back from injury. The Germans lose captain Alexandra Popp and Germany’s top scorer of the competition Lea Schüller to illness.
The game took place at 5pm (BST) at the Groupama Stadium, home of Olympique Lyonnais, where US captain Lindsey Horan plays her club football. Both teams stick with the same formations, the USA settling on a 4-2-3-1, and Germany keeping the 4-4-2 formation which they have stuck with this entire campaign.
A steady start for the Americans brought two chances within the first 5 minutes. A freekick which met the head of Davidson less than two minutes in is caught by Berger. The second shot came from Rose Lavelle in the 4th minute, but Berger stopped it easily.
An edge of the box free kick comes to no avail for the US. 3 free kicks from the Americans in 15 minutes, all of which going to waste.
Germany’s first corner of the game comes close, but is punched away by Chicago Red Stars keeper Alyssa Naeher. Their second corner was palmed away by Naeher, who narrowly saved the inswinger.
A close chance from Brand deflects off Naeher, and is cleared by Naomi Girma. A change of play sees Germany challenging in attack, despite having less possession so far. A press from America sees a cross from Sophia Smith, but is stopped by Hegering before it can reach Mallory Swanson.
A long ball looking for the run of Klara Bühl just slips away and is stopped by Girma and Fox. A heavy touch from Swanson is knocked into the box for Sophia Smith, who can’t find her footing.
The first yellow card of the game is awarded to Marina Hegering, who has played quite rough, but put in a hard tackle on Mallory Swanson.
The half ends goalless, which is disappointing for both teams given how many chances came from either side. A very physical game from both sides with countless fouls and free kicks being given away.
High possession from the US brought more chances with a total of 6 shots, with 5 on target, compared to Germany’s 2 shots with only 1 on target. The ball possession lies at 58% for the USA and 42% for Germany.
It has proved to be a tough game for both sides, compared to the last game where the US were 3-0 up at half time.
The first effort of the second half came from Klara Bühl, but was deflected away by Arsenal’s Emily Fox. Lohmann’s ball across cannot make contact with Jule Brand or Klara Bühl. A long range attempt from Gwinn flew just wide of the left post.
An initial slow start from the US changes in the 59th minute, with a break from Rodman, who is brought down near the corner flag, and is not awarded a free kick. The US stayed on the attack, with an attempt from Swanson during the 63rd minute, who’s shot drifted wide of the open net.
Strong attacks from both sides, but the game remained 0-0 with 20 minutes left to play. A powerless attempt from Sophia Smith is cleared by Berger. A long range effort from Janine Minge is fired straight at Naeher.
Both sides have made two changes so far, with the US bringing on Sonnett for Davidson, and Lynn Williams coming on for Lavelle, and Germany bringing on Laura Freigang for Anyomi, and Schulze Solano coming on for Hegering.
A goal comes for Mallory Swanson in the 86th minute but is ruled offside. The US was still showing they were marginally better on the whole, however the game remained 0-0 going into extra time.
A strong bottom left corner shot from Bühl is stopped by Naeher. And finally a goal for the United States, and a goal for Sophia Smith in the 95th minute.
After a gruelling 120 minutes (plus injury time), the Germans are defeated by the US, who will progress into their 6th Olympic final, where they will face either Brazil or Spain.
STARTING XI:
Germany: Berger, Hendrich, Hegering, Minge, Lohmann, Nüsken, Gwinn [C], Brand, Bühl, Rauch, Anyomi
The United States: Naeher, Fox, Girma, Rodman, Dunn, Swanson, Horan [C], Smith, Davidson, Lavelle, Coffey
Comments