The U.S. women’s national team will take another step toward an Olympic gold medal on Tuesday. The USWNT and head coach Emma Hayes will face Germany in the semifinals, setting up a second meeting against the Europeans this tournament, and compete for a spot in the Olympic final. The two teams faced each other during the group stage where the Stars and Stripes delivered the Germans a 4-1 loss. Now the stakes are elevated with a loss the difference between a potential gold or bronze medal. The semifinal winner will face either Spain or Brazil in the Olympic final.
Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming match:
Viewing information
- Date: Tuesday, Aug. 6 | Time: 12 p.m. ET
- Location: Stade de Lyon — Lyon, France
- TV: USA Network, Telemundo | Live stream: Fubo (try for free)
- Odds: USWNT -151; Draw +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 on who would be available for selection, but midfielder Sam Coffey’s yellow card accumulation suspension is over, and defender Tierna Davidson is managing a knee contusion. The head coach had to make a couple of changes ahead of the quarterfinal without her two preferred starters and the shift in lineups played a role in some of the lack of cohesion against Japan. If even one of Davidson and Coffey are back in the lineup it’ll give a boost in distribution for the team against a very organized German side.
Germany: The squad will be motivated by the penalty shoot-out heroics of Ann Katrin Berger against Canada. The Germans advanced to the semifinal after a scoreless regulation against Canada needed penalties during the quarterfinals. They’ve managed their games with tenacity and discipline on the pitch, the backline has gotten more organized through the tournament, and the coaching staff will make adjustments after their previous loss to the United States. If she is available for selection, how they decide to use veteran Alexandra Popp on the field could be the difference maker.
Prediction
It’s the sequel so the added high-stakes moment, and tired legs, might mean that this one stays too close for comfort. Two stellar goalkeepers going head-to-head will keep things narrow, but the U.S. attacking trio will have the confidence to pull it off again. Pick: USWNT 2, Germany 1
KVSP