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The U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (USWNT) secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Australia in the final group stage match of the 2024 Paris Olympics on Wednesday.
This win not only cemented their dominance in the group but also set up a highly anticipated quarterfinal showdown against Japan on Saturday.
USWNT sets goal record in group stage
The USWNT had already guaranteed their spot in the quarterfinals before the match, but they showed no signs of complacency.
This victory marks only the second time in history that the USWNT has won all three group stage games, the first being in 2012 when they went on to win gold.
The team's impressive tally of nine goals in the group stage is a new record for the USWNT in Olympic competition.
The Americans triumphed in all their group matches, defeating Zambia, Germany, and Australia, with an aggregate score of 9-2.
Forward Trinity Rodman continued her stellar form by scoring just before halftime, maintaining her streak of contributing to a goal in every Olympic match so far.
Reserve midfielder Korbin Albert secured the win with a spectacular shot into the upper corner 13 minutes from the end of regulation time.
Australia, needing at least a draw to qualify for the next round, fought valiantly and managed to score in stoppage time through Alanna Kennedy.
Despite a last-minute push that saw Kennedy nearly net an equalizer, the match ended in favor of the USWNT, leaving the Australians anxiously awaiting the results from Group A to see if they could advance as a third-place qualifier.
Offense shines in new Emma Hayes' USWNT
Rodman and Sophia Smith have formed a formidable attacking partnership, reminiscent of the dynamic duo of Alex Morgan and Abby Wambach in 2012.
Smith assisted Rodman's goal with a well-placed header from a corner, marking her third consecutive game on the scoresheet.
Despite the recent success, USWNT coach Emma Hayes emphasized the need for continued improvement.
"There is still work to be done to create connections and increase confidence," Hayes stated.
The team's ability to handle different styles of play, including breaking down Australia's compact defense, bodes well for their upcoming match against Japan.
However, the USWNT faces a challenge with the suspension of key defensive midfielder Sam Coffey, who received her second yellow card of the tournament.
This suspension, combined with the potential absence of center-back Tierna Davidson due to injury, presents a tactical dilemma for Hayes.
The coach may need to make strategic adjustments, possibly bringing in Casey Krueger or relying on Albert to fill the gap.