Sophia Smith: USWNT 'Want to Uphold' Gold Medal Standard in Final at Paris Olympics
Aug 8, 2024
LYON, FRANCE - AUGUST 06: Sophia Smith of Team United States in action during of the Women's semifinal match between United States of America and Germany during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de Lyon on August 06, 2024 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
United States women's national team star Sophia Smith discussed the importance of maintaining a high standard for the squad ahead of a matchup with Brazil in the gold medal game during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
"I grew up watching this team for however long I can remember," Smith said, according to ESPN's Sam Borden. "And this team has always had a standard of winning -- and winning on the biggest stage. I know, for us, we take so much pride in that and want to uphold that."
Despite appearing in six of the eight total gold medal games since the sport was introduced to the Olympics in 1996, the USWNT hasn't appeared in a final since 2012. The team also underperformed relative to expectations in the 2023 World Cup, falling in the Round of 16.
The U.S. team has now advanced to the gold medal game once again due to a strong front three that includes Smith, Mallory Swanson, and Trinity Rodman. The trio has accounted for nine of Team USA's 11 goals throughout the Olympics.
The latest connection helped the United States defeat Germany in extra time and earn a spot in the gold medal match. Swanson delivered an exceptional pass to Smith in the 95th minute before she scored the first and only goal of the contest.
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 6, 2024
While the United States has already guaranteed a spot on the podium, Smith will look to keep the momentum going and help the team secure a gold medal for the first time in over a decade.
The match will kick off on Saturday at 11 a.m. ET.
The United States Women's National Team punched their ticket to the Olympic final with a 1-0 victory over Germany. Playing their fifth game in 12 days, the USโฆ
Olympic Soccer Bracket 2024: USWNT vs. Brazil Women's Gold Medal Match Preview
Aug 6, 2024
LYON, FRANCE - AUGUST 06: Sophia Smith #11 of the United States celebrates scoring with teammates during extra time against Germany during the Women's semifinal match during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de Lyon on August 06, 2024 in Lyon, France. (Photo by John Todd/ISI/Getty Images)
For the first time since 2012, the United States women's national team will be playing for an Olympic gold medal after defeating Germany 1-0 in the semifinals of the Paris Olympics on Tuesday, and it will be facing a familiar foe.
In the final on Saturday, the USWNT will face longtime rival Brazil, which trounced reigning World Cup winners Spain 4-2 in Tuesday's other semifinal.
The Americans will be surely motivated to return to the top of the podium for the first time since the London Games 12 years ago, but it won't be easy.
After losing 2-0 to Spain in a group-stage match, Brazil bounced back in epic fashion. An own goal got the scoring started in the sixth minute for Brazil, and Gabi Portilho put in another goal right before halftime to give the team a 2-0 lead. Adriana buried the dagger in the 71st minute, and Kerolin added an insurance goal in stoppage time after Salma Paralluelo got Spain on the board in the 85th minute.
The USWNT has had recent success against Brazil, including a 1-0 win in the 2024 Concacaf Gold Cup final. Brazil will be motivated to avenge that loss and to make matters more interesting, the legendary Marta will be returning from her two-game ban in the Olympic final and will be looking to end her storied career in a big way.
200 appearances with Brazil and legendary Marta has never won a major international trophy.
Still, the USWNT should enter the match with all the confidence in the world, especially after showing its resilience once again in Tuesday's match against Germany.
After both teams went scoreless during regulation, extra time was needed to determine the winner. Sophia Smith found the back of the net after a beautiful through ball from Mallory Swanson that allowed her to float the ball over Germany goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger's head.
The goal occurred less than five minutes into extra time, creating a nerve-racking overtime period. Smith tried to put in a second goal in the 104th minute, but Berger was there for the save. Germany had a corner near the end of the first half of overtime but failed to convert.
Germany remained on the attack in the final 15 minutes. Janina Minge had a shot in the box in the 114th minute that was off-target. Germany received a free kick in the 118th minute that made the Americans sweat, but star goalie Alyssa Naeher saved the header attempt by Laura Freigang to preserve the lead.
USWNT also needed an extra-time goal to earn a spot in the semifinals, as Trinity Rodman's strike helped the team advance past Japan on Saturday. It's the first time since 2004 that the USWNT played consecutive extra-time matches in Olympics fixtures.
Saturday's final between the USWNT and Brazil will undoubtedly be another epic clash between the longtime rivals that will have fans hyped to watch.
The United States Women's National Team advanced to the Olympic semi-final with a 1-0 win against Japan. Though the Stars and Stripes glided through the groupโฆ
Olympic Soccer Bracket 2024: Women's Quarterfinal Results and Semifinal Schedule
Aug 3, 2024
US' forward #05 Trinity Rodman (R) fights for the ball with Japan's defender #13 Hikaru Kitagawa during the women's quarter-final football match between the USA and Japan at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Parc des Princes in Paris on August 3, 2024. (Photo by GEOFFROY VAN DER HASSELT / AFP) (Photo by GEOFFROY VAN DER HASSELT/AFP via Getty Images)
The United States women's soccer team is moving on at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.
In a competitive matchup against Japan in the quarterfinal round, a Trinity Rodman extra-time tally allowed the U.S. to claim a 1-0 victory and a guaranteed chance at a medal.
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) August 3, 2024
The United States advances to the semifinal round where it will face Germany for a shot to land the gold medal.
Here's a look at the quarterfinal results and schedule for the semifinal.
Quarterfinal Results
United States def. Japan, 1-0 (ET)
Spain def. Colombia, 2-2 (4-2)
Germany def. Canada 0-0 (4-2)
Brazil def. France, 1-0
Semifinal Bracket and Schedule
United States vs. Germany, Tuesday, August 6 at 12 p.m. ET
Spain vs. Brazil, Tuesday, August 6 at 3 p.m. ET
The United States' matchup against Japan was the seventh all-time in the knockout stage of a major tournament. The U.S. had a 6-0-1 record in those matchups, but the lone draw came in a losing effort as Japan defeated the U.S. in penalty kicks to win the 2011 Women's World Cup.
The U.S. recorded 15 total shots and just four on target, while Japan had 11 and only a single shot on target. The U.S. dominated possession, but some strong defense from Japan managed to keep the game scoreless until Rodman's extra-time strike.
The U.S. won bronze at the 2020 Olympics and did not reach the podium in 2016. It did win gold in 2012 and will hope to get a chance to do that once again this year.
The United States Women's National Team has clinched the top spot in Group B with a 2-1 win over Australia. The Stars and Stripes were mostly flawless throughโฆ
Olympic Soccer 2024: Full Quarter-Final Bracket After Women's Group Stage Results
Jul 31, 2024
MARSEILLE, FRANCE - JULY 31: Trinity Rodman #5 of Team United States celebrates with teammates after scoring her team's first goal during the Women's group B match between Australia and United States during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de Marseille on July 31, 2024 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
The United States women's national team beat Australia 2-1 to punch its ticket to the quarterfinals in the 2024 Summer Olympics.
The win caps off a perfect group stage for the USWNT, which finished with a plus-seven goal differential.
Here are the results from Wednesday and where things stand in the three groups.
July 31 Results
Group C: Spain 2 Brazil 0
Group C: Japan 3, Nigeria 1
Group B United States 2, Australia 1
Group B: Germany 4, Zambia 1
Group A: France 2, New Zealand 1
Group A: Canada 1, Colombia 0
Group Standings
Group A
1. France (6 PTS, +1 GD)
2. Canada (3 PTS, +3 GD)
3. Columbia (3 PTS, 0 GD)
4. New Zealand (0 PTS, -4 GD)
Group B
1. United States (9 PTS, +7 GD)
2. Germany (6 PTS, +3 GD)
3. Australia (3 PTS, -3 GD)
4. Zambia (0 PTS, -7 GD)
Group C
1. Spain (9 PTS, +4 GD)
2. Japan (6 PTS, +2 GD)
3. Brazil (3 PTS, -2 GD)
4. Nigeria (0 PTS, -4 GD)
Quarter-final Schedule (Aug. 3)
United States vs. Japan (9 a.m. ET)
Spain vs. Colombia (11 a.m. ET)
Canada vs. Germany (1 p.m. ET)
France vs. Brazil (3 p.m. ET)
The United States dominated much of the match to start but had little to show for it.
The Americans didn't make their breakthrough until the latter stages of the first half. Trinity Rodman was the quickest to react as the ball was bouncing toward the post from a Rose Lavelle corner in the 43rd minute.
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) July 31, 2024
Alex + Abby ๐ค Trin + Soph
Rodman and Smith have both either scored or assisted in all of the USA's group stage games at the 2024 Olympics; the first time a pair of #USWNT teammates have done so since Morgan and Wambach in 2012. ๐บ๐ธ pic.twitter.com/SDgF4TGvYS
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) July 31, 2024
It was a similar story in the second half as the USWNT remained the stronger side but were only one goal from Australia away from watching all of its progress be undone.
Korbin Albert's right-footed effort from outside of the 18-yard box changed that. The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder found the top left corner with an unstoppable shot to double the United States' lead.
The United States doubles its lead over Australia on Korbin Albertโs first international goal! #ParisOlympics
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) July 31, 2024
Grabbing that insurance goal proved pivotal as Alanna Kennedy got Australia on the board in the first minute of stoppage time in the second half.
With a minimum of seven minutes tacked onto regulation, the Matildas had ample time to find an equalizer as well, and they very nearly did moments after Kennedy scored. Ellie Carpenter fired in a cross to the far post that just missed the head of the defender. If Kennedy had gotten any touch on the ball, she likely would've beaten USWNT goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher.
The women's national team isn't judged by results in the group stage, so collecting nine points from three matches at the 2024 Summer Games will be a footnote if the US fails to medal.
The United States' performance so far has probably exceeded fans' expectations, though, given how tough Group B looked on paper. Germany and Australia are fourth and 12th respectively in the FIFA world rankings.
The road doesn't get any easier from here as a date with Japan looms in the quarterfinals on Saturday, and a rematch with the Germans might be in store in the semis.
For now, the USWNT looks to be ahead of schedule under coach Emma Hayes given how little time Hayes has had to work with the squad.
The United States Women's National Team looked clinical, beating Germany 4-1 in their second group stage match at the 2024 Olympics. Goals from Sophia Smith,โฆ
USWNT Beats Germany: Full Group Results Ahead of 2024 Olympic Soccer KO Bracket
Jul 28, 2024
MARSEILLE, FRANCE - JULY 28: Sophia Smith #11 of the United States celebrates scoring with teammates during the first half against Germany during the Women's group B match during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de Marseille on July 28, 2024 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Brad Smith/ISI/Getty Images)
The United States women's national team stands alone atop Group B at the Paris Olympics.
Buoyed by an impressive 4-1 win over Germany, the Americans already advanced out of the group stage and onto the knockout rounds.
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) July 28, 2024
Or how about Australia and Zambia trading goals at astonishing rates?
But no result was more of a potential harbinger of things to come than the United States' domination against Germany. This was the USWNT that football fans have come to expect.
Led by Sophia Smith's brace and tallies from Mallory Swanson and Lynn Williams, the Americans looked dominant in a 4-1 victory.
Sophia Smith scores her first #ParisOlympics goal for the United States! ๐บ๐ธ
Suffice to say, the Emma Hayes' era is off to a positive start, as the United States took a firm hold over the top of Group B. And USWNT supporters, pundits and even former players were loving the result:
At the 2023 World Cup, the United States scored all of four goals. Through two matches at the Paris Games, the Americans already have seven. This has undoubtedly been a better showing thus far.
Up next for the country will be a clash with Australia on Wednesday. A clean sweep of Group B would have the Americans looking mighty dangerous as it seeks a fifth gold medal in women's football.
Report: US Soccer Alleges Canada Had Prior Spying Incidents Before Olympic Scandal
Jul 27, 2024
TORONTO, ON - JUNE 04: Bev Priestman Head Coach of Canada looks on during an International Friendly match against Mexico at BMO Field on June 4, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
The United States Soccer Federation reportedly wasn't shocked when the Canadian women's national team was caught spying on an opponent's closed practice using a drone.
According to ESPN's Sam Borden, the infraction was "just the latest in a long pattern of similar circumstances involving Canadian teams attempting to view other teams' closed practices, multiple sources with connections to U.S. Soccer told ESPN. And there have been frequent instances in which American teams were the targets."
As for why the USSF didn't report Canada in the past, the strong ties between the countriesโthey jointly bid and won the Men's World Cup in 2026 alongside Mexicoโwas cited.
"It wasn't worth it with so many bigger-ticket issues out there," a source told Borden. "But that doesn't mean it didn't matter."
The Canadian women's soccer team was punished severely by FIFA. The team was docked six points at the Paris Games, head coach Bev Priestman is prohibited from "taking part in any football-related activity" for a year, her assistants Joseph Lombardi and Jasmine Mander were also banned for a year and Canada was fined $226,000.
"We feel terrible for the athletes on the Canadian Women's Olympic Soccer Team who as far as we understand played no role in this matter," Canadian Olympic Committee CEO David Shoemaker said in a statement. "In support of the athletes, together with Canada Soccer, we are exploring rights of appeal related to the six point deduction at this Olympic tournament."
As for the incidents of Canadian spying directed at USSF teams in the past, a Canadian staffer was reportedly caught spying on a USMNT training camp in Florida back in 2021 the day before a scrimmage between the countries.
United States soccer officials also believed they saw a drone flying overhead during a practice session the day before a Nations League match between the countries.
And U.S. officials believe that former Canada women's team head coach John Herdman (2011-18) was a consistent spying perpetrator. Both Herdman and former Canada player Christine Sinclair, however, denied any knowledge of any previous spying infractions.
Herdman regularly complained about potential spying attempts from other countries, further fueling suspicions that he was employing such practices.
"With Herdman and Canada," an official told Borden, "it was always just a little, 'He doth protest too much.'"
Sinclair and Canada won the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Games in women's soccer. Shoemaker indicated that Canada possibly used drones for spying purposes in those Olympics, too.
"It makes me ill, it makes me sick to my stomach, to think that there could be something that calls into question... one of my favorite Olympic moments in history," he told reporters.
