The US women’s national team took another step towards an Olympic gold medal on Tuesday. The USWNT and head coach Emma Hayes will face Germany in the semi-finals, host a second meeting against the Europeans this tournament and compete for a spot in the Olympic finals. The two teams faced off during the group stage with the Stars and Stripes handing the Germans a 4-1 defeat. Now the stakes are raised as the difference between a potential gold or bronze medal is lost. The winner of the semi-final will face Spain or Brazil in the Olympic final.
Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming match:
View information
- Date: Tuesday August 6 | Time: 12:00 PM ET
- Place: Stade de Lyon — Lyon, France
- TV: USA Network, Telemundo | Live stream: Fubo (try for free)
- Chances: USWNT-151; Sign +240; Germany +300
USWNT lineup projection
USWNT starting XI: Alyssa Naeher, Emily Fox, Naomi Girma, Emily Sonnett, Crystal Dunn, Sam Coffey, Lindsey Horan, Rose Lavelle, Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, Trinity Rodman
Storylines
USWNT: According to head coach Emma Hayes, “Everyone is training today.” She gave no indication of who would be available for selection, but midfielder Sam Coffey’s yellow card suspension is over and defender Tierna Davidson is nursing a knee bruise. The head coach had to make a number of changes ahead of the quarterfinals without her two favorite starters, and the shift in lineup played a role in the lack of cohesion against Japan. Having even one of Davidson and Coffey back in the lineup will boost distribution for the team against a highly organized German side.
Germany: The team will be motivated by Ann Katrin Berger’s penalty shoot-out heroics against Canada. The Germans advanced to the semi-finals after a scoreless settlement against Canada required penalties during the quarter-finals. They have led their matches with determination and discipline on the pitch, the backline has been better organized throughout the tournament and the coaching staff will make adjustments after their previous defeat to the United States. If she is available for selection, the way they use veteran Alexandra Popp on the pitch could make the difference.
Prediction
It’s the sequel, so the added high-stakes moment and tired legs may mean this one stays too close for comfort. Two great goalkeepers going head-to-head will keep things small, but the American attacking trio will have the confidence to get it done again. Choose: USWNT 2, Germany 1
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