USWNT eases past Germany with 4-1 win

Sophia Smith led the way as the United States rolled past a potent German squad with a comprehensive 4-1 win. It’s their most important win under manager Emma Hayes, especially with how they approached the game. The new-look Americans, led by the powerful front three of Smith, Trinity Rodman, and Mallory Swanson gave the Germans a lot of trouble.

They look drastically different from the American team that slogged through the World Cup just a year ago. They’re potent in attack and (usually) tough in defense. They’re fluid in their build-up, explosive in transition, and they’ve seamlessly adjusted to the two opponents the Olympics have thrown at them. Following their 3-0 win over Zambia, the United States have all but booked their ticket to the knockout round of the Olympics.

USWNT rolls out to a roaring start over Germany

The USWNT scored early in the 10th minute, starting with Rodman receiving the ball from Lavelle on the wing. She took the ball on the wing, outpaced a German defender, and launched a ball that rolled across the face of the goal. Mallory Swanson got a touch on the ball, but Sophia Smith, lurking at the far post, applied the final touch to put the Americans up 1-0.

The Germans struck back through Giulia Gwinn. Felicitas Rauch had the ball on the left-hand side and played a ball to Alexandra Popp. Popp played a quick ball to Sjoeke Nüsken, who had her back to the goal. Nusken played the ball back to Gwinn 20 yards out, whose outside-the-box effort beat Alyssa Naher to the bottom left corner.

Swanson scored just minutes later. The goal came as part of a German mistake. Kathrin-Julia Hendrich failed to deal with a Naeher goal kick properly, with Smith getting on the ball instead. Smith ran to the goal, fighting off Hendrich and getting a crack on the ball. Although Germany stopper Ann-Katrin Berger saved Smith’s initial effort, she couldn’t stop Swanson’s follow-up shot.

Gwinn had another shot from range. This…

Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/olympics/uswnt-eases-past-germany-with-4-1-win/

Author : Deolu Akingbade

Publish date : 2024-07-28 23:04:31

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