Sophia Smith’s quick-thinking strike advanced the United States of America Women’s National Team to the final of the women’s football event at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
The match, which took place at the Olympique Lyon Stadium in Lyon, France, against Germany, saw Emma Hayes’ USWNT stretch to their limit.
The Americans dominated play from the start, but a combination of their missed chances and astute defending from the Germans sent the game into extra time.
Hayes’ decision not to replace two forwards in the game proved pivotal as Mallory Swanson’s striking partner, Sophia Smith, cleverly took what appeared to be a half chance, scooping the ball past an on-rushing Katrine Berger to send the Americans dreaming of yet another gold at the Olympic Games.
The final would be one to watch as they would face Brazil at the Parc des Princes on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at 3 p.m. after the Germans take on the Spaniards in the bronze medal match.
