The USWNT will shoot their shot at advancing to their first gold medal match since 2012 today, taking on Group B runner-up Germany in the first of two Olympic semifinals.
The US defeated Germany 4-1 in the second match of the tournament, injecting some fire into what would become the USWNT’s most successful Olympic group stage run since 2012.
Germany a familiar USWNT tournament foe
Today’s matchup will be the first time the US has faced any nation other than Canada in an Olympic semifinal since 2008, but Germany is just as familiar a foe.
This is the fifth time the US has played Germany in a major tournament semifinal — the most between two nations in both Women’s World Cup and Olympic history. The US got past Germany at both the 1991 and 2015 World Cups plus the 2004 Olympics, while Germany got the best of the USWNT at the 2003 World Cup.
However, both teams will enter the match with heavy legs, after each of their quarterfinals went into extra time on Saturday. The US avoided going to penalties thanks to a Trinity Rodman goal against Japan in the 107th minute, while Germany managed to advance on penalty kicks after a 0-0 stalemate with Canada.
USWNT Olympic semifinal roster takes shape
Fans might see a few refreshed contributors return to the pitch today, after head coach Emma Hayes reported that all USWNT players trained on Monday — despite a few carrying injuries.
On Saturday, forward Jaedyn Shaw made her first appearance on the Olympic gameday 18, but has yet to feature in France due to a lower leg injury. Defender Tierna Davidson has been managing a knee contusion suffered against Germany in the group stage, sitting out clashes with both Australia and Japan. Emily Fox was also seen training without issue after leaving Saturday’s quarterfinal with what appeared to be a knee issue.
Elsewhere, midfielder Sam Coffey is back in action after serving a one-game suspension for yellow card accumulation.
USWNT should draw on confidence
Olympic rematches can be tricky, but the USWNT should feel confident after orchestrating what so far has been a triumphant Olympic tournament — the best they’ve seen since the last time they finished atop the podium.
Where to watch USWNT vs. Germany Olympics semifinal match
The USWNT will take the Olympic pitch against Germany at 12 PM ET this afternoon, with live coverage across NBC networks.
