USWNT progresses to the semifinals thanks to the goal in extra time scored by Trinity Rodman against Japan
It was a tough challenge however, it was a win for the U.S. women’s national team had just enough success after 120 minutes to get the win by 1-0 against Japan in the quarterfinals during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Leo Santos
Before the game, Japan was a team who played a particular way unlike was something that the U.S. had not yet had to contend with at the time of this tournament.
The Americans weren’t able to generate momentum throughout the game, in which Japan was seated in its own zone and tried to attack Japan with an attack that would hit the U.S. on the counter. The attacking trio consisting of Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson and Trinity Rodman were unable to penetrate their Japanese defense. The midfielders Lindsey Horan and Rose Lavellehad the ball in abundance -as their team’s 71 percent possession advantage suggestsbut they were unable to create chances for their attacking players.
“It was a very hard match. It was like a chess match,” Horan declared. “That’s what we were saying in the huddle just now after the game. Japan are an amazing team and I feel for them.”
Both teams shot nearly the same number in shot (15 in Japan and 15 for the U.S. and 12 for Japan) however, Japan seemed to be more likely to score as it put the pressure on its American defense. The strong performances of Naomi Girma and Crystal Dunn at the back were sufficient to help keep U.S. in the game.
After a mediocre 90 minutes The USWNT was unable to make its breakthrough additional time.
Rodman scored a stunning score in the 85th minute when the 22-year-old fought off the defender, before cutting with her left foot before slamming the ball over on the outside of the area to the upper left area of goal. It was a moment of maturation for Rodman who proved she’s a player you can count on during crucial moments of an event. Rodman is the newest ever player from USWNT record to get a goal during the Olympic knockout game.
“I have flashes of what happened,” Rodman told reporters. “I got into the area, I received a beautiful pass, then I took a shot. It wasn’t that I didn’t have confidence in my shot, but at the same time, I couldn’t believe it. That’s the best moment in my career.”
The USWNT managed to take out its narrow lead of 1-0 to make it to the semifinals. For knockout soccer it’s not just about how well a team performs however, it’s more about how well a team is able to beat its opponents. Japan played their U.S. from the first minute until the end however the head Coach Emma Hayes said the composure and focus her team displayed during the match could result in better results.
“It was very tactical. That’s why I liked it so much. It was a match of grit and determination,” Hayes declared. “It was decided by one moment of brilliance. I really like this Japan team. I always enjoy watching them. They are a great team. Our defenders today were absolutely amazing. Everyone in our team stuck to their tasks.”
The USWNT will face in the semi-finals in the quarterfinal match between Canada with Germany.