2024 Olympics: Sophia Smith goal sends USA to final vs Germany | OneFootball

An extra-time goal from Sophia Smith was enough to send the USA to the Olympic finals where they will face Brazil. Emma Hayes’ side triumphed over Germany with a single goal to set up their chance for a fifth gold medal.

For Germany, the chance to contest the bronze medal awaits against Spain. The world champions were knocked out by Brazil in a hefty 4-1 defeat, which will guarantee Marta one last Olympic medal before retirement.

Starting XIs

USA

Naeher; Dunn, Davidson, Girma, Fox, Coffey, Horan, Lavelle, Smith, Swanson, Rodman

Germany

Berger; Rauch, Hegering, Hendrich, Gwinn (C), Bühl, Minge, Lohmann , Brand, Anyomi, Nüsken

How it went

The first half provided few real chances for either side. An early chance fell to the USA, however, Germany dominated much of the early stages. As the opening half drew on, the game became increasingly stretched. Despite a handful of good chances, the two sides went in goalless at the break.

The second half initially provided much of the same. Germany got off to a slightly better start however the USA began to control more of the play as the half drew on. The 86th minute saw the USA take the lead however Mallory Swanson’s goal was quickly flagged offside, leaving the tie 0-0.

Embed from Getty Images

With nothing to separate the two sides across 90 minutes, the game headed to extra time to decide a winner. Just five minutes into the additional minutes, Smith finally broke the deadlock to put the USA ahead. Capitalising on a perfectly weighted assist from Swanson, the No.11 fired the ball home from the edge of the area.

Ultimately, Smith’s goal would be enough to see the USA through to the finals after a nervy and closely fought period of extra time. The USWNT will face Brazil in the final as the two sides battle it out for the gold medal. Germany will hope to secure a third-place finish in their meeting with Spain in Friday’s bronze medal match in Lyon.

Related articles from Her Football Hub: