Paris 2024 football: USWNT find something extra to beat Germany and reach gold medal match

By Courtney Hill
2 min|
USWNT celebrate Sophia Smith's winner vs. Germany at Paris 2024
Picture by 2024 Getty Images

The United States Women's National Soccer Team (USWNT) are into the women's Olympic gold medal match at the Olympic Games Paris 2024.

Going for a staggering fifth title, Emma Hayes' side put in a resolute performance against Germany in Lyon.

It was a far cry from their meeting just a week ago on 28 July, where the USA ran rampant in a 4-1 victory.

For the second time this tournament, a 0-0 result at full-time meant they were forced into an extra 30 where, once again, the Americans were able to find the breakthrough.

Mallory Swanson's threaded pass in behind the opposing backline was finished first time by Sophia Smith, who was able to poke the ball beyond the on-rushing Ann-Katrin Berger.

Hayes' defense gave her side the foundation to go on and succeed in this game, with Naomi Girma in particular a rock at the back to keep the Germans at bay.

Unwavering towards the end, with Germany throwing everything they had at the USA goal, Alyssa Naeher pulled off a game-winning stop by denying a headed effort with her foot.

Their decorated manager now has the chance to bring home her first international title since taking the reins just over two months ago.

It was the 37th meeting between these two sides, with the USWNT once more getting the better of their European opponents.

In the hunt for their fifth Olympic gold, the U.S. will face Brazil in the final on Saturday, 10 August.