The U.S. women’s national team will face their biggest test of the Olympic group stage when they face Germany on Sunday. Both squads are coming off opening-day wins and are level on multiple tie-breakers including goal differential. Germany delivered a lopsided 3-0 loss to Australia while Mallory Swanson and Trinity Rodman combined for three goals against Zambia for a 3-0 win to give the USWNT its first points for the group. The U.S. lead the all-time series (23W-5L-7D) against Germany and as the two teams meet for the 36th time, the USWNT hold the competitive edge (4W-1L-0D ) on the global stage as well.
Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming match:
Viewing information
- Date: Sunday, July 28 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Stade de Marseille — Marseille, France
- TV: USA Network, Telemundo | Live stream: Fubo (try for free)
- Odds: USWNT +119; Draw +215; Germany +215
Projected USWNT lineup
USWNT vs. Germany: Alyssa Naeher, Emily Fox, Naomi Girma, Tierna Davidson, Jenna Nighswonger, Sam Coffey, Lindsey Horan, Rose Lavelle, Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson
Storylines
USWNT: Head coach Emma Hayes told media in France that Sophia Smith is in training and available for selection against Germany after exiting the opening match against Zambia in the 43rd minute. That’s great news for the Stars and Stripes after a thrilling first half on Matchday 1 where the top trio of Smith, Rodman and Swanson were each active in goal contributions. They’ll still be without Jaedyn Shaw, which means Croix Bethune remains on the full roster headed into this one. The big opportunity will be for the American midfield in general and how they will operate against a German side with no Lena Oberdorf.
Germany: The Germans earned a statement win against Australia on Thursday after doubts about how they’d look without Oberdorf. Enter Jule Brand to the rescue. The 21-year-old was a massive player for the team, progressing the ball, and disruptive when needed. Her activity in the final third was key, with five shots and one goal in the victory. The game against the Americans will need elevated performances from midfield duo Sjoeke Nüsken and Janina Minge.
Prediction
It’ll all come down to the middle third in this one. Who will win the ball and do more with it when they have it? Could come down to set pieces in this one, and Germany have a big advantage with Alexandria Popp an ever-present threat. Pick: USWNT 0, Germany 1
KVSP