PARIS – The United States women’s national team advanced to the semifinals of the women’s Olympic soccer tournament at Paris 2024 with a victory over Japan on Saturday.
The U.S. needed extra time to decide its quarterfinal bout after a nil-nil draw in regular time. Canada also went to extra time in its match with Germany, needing a penalty shootout to decide a winner.
The U.S. women will face Germany on Tuesday, with the winner advancing to the gold medal match.
United States advances to the semifinals
The United States defeated Japan, 1-nil, after extra time after playing to a scoreless draw in regular time in the quarterfinals of the women’s Olympic soccer tournament at the Parc des Princes in Paris.
The U.S. was on the offensive early as Lindsey Horan struck a header towards goal in the 6’ but was denied by Japanese goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita.
Alyssa Naeher made a save in the 35’ to deny Japan forward Mina Tanaka.
Mallory Swanson had an attempt from outside the box in the 63’ but was just wide of goal.
Sophia Smith pressured to win the ball from the defense in the 96’ but her attempt on goal was blocked by Yamashita.
Trinity Rodman struck the match-winning goal in the 105’+2, striking from the right side of the box with her left foot to send the ball to the left side netting.
Emily Sonnett made a block inside the box in the 107’ to deny a potential equalizer from Honoka Hayashi.
Rodman nearly secured a second in the 110’ but Yamashita got a foot to redirect the shot away from goal.
The @USWNT are off to the semis! 👊🇺🇸#Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/KNbpANTIxp
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 3, 2024
Canada bows out on penalties
Canada was eliminated 4-2 on penalties to Germany, after a nil-nil draw through extra time, in the quarterfinals of the women’s Olympic soccer tournament at the Marseille Stadium in Marseille, France.
Goalkeeping was on display early as Kailen Sheridan made a save in the 18’ to deny Klara Bühl.
Jordyn Huitema struck on goal in the 44’ but was denied by Germany goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger.
Cloé Lacasse struck from outside the box in the 70’ but Berger secured the attempt.
Evelyne Viens had a strike in the box in the 79’ but was just wide of goal.
Janine Beckie had a look inside the box in the 90’+5 but the shot went away from goal as the match went to extra time.
Ashley Lawrence struck in the box in the 94’ as the Canadians continued to insist in attack.
Adriana Leon nearly struck the dramatic winner in the 116’ but was just wide of the left post.
Beckie attempted a header in the 119’ but the match would stay scoreless as penalties would be needed.
Lawrence and Leon had their penalties saved before Berger herself would score the winning penalty for Germany.