If the USWNT needs to win gold on the Paris 2024 Olympics, they’ll want large performances from three of their greatest gamers.
The U.S. Ladies’s Nationwide Group got here into the Paris 2024 Olympics as one of many favorites to win gold, they usually have proven why during the last two weeks. Emma Hayes’ squad completed atop Group B, after which went on to defeat Japan within the quarter-finals and Germany within the semi-finals to punch their ticket to the gold medal match on Saturday, Aug. 10.
The one group left standing in the way in which of a document fifth gold medal for the Stars and Stripes is Brazil. The Selecao are coming off two victories over France and Spain, and can look to finish the USWNT’s unbeaten run below Hayes.
Within the largest match of the summer season, america will depend on their superstars to get the job performed in opposition to a worthy Brazilian aspect led by Marta.
3. Sophia Smith
Sophia Smith was a key participant heading into the Paris 2024 Olympics, and he or she has solely develop into extra necessary for the USWNT because the match unfolded. The ahead has scored three objectives up to now this summer season, together with the additional time winner in opposition to Germany to ship the Stars and Stripes to their first gold medal match since 2012.
The 23-year-old is among the United States’ most harmful and versatile gamers; whether or not she is on the wing or slotting in because the No. 9, Smith produces a top quality within the remaining third the USWNT has lacked over the previous few years.
The Stars and Stripes will want Smith’s elite imaginative and prescient and ending to cause them to victory within the gold medal match in opposition to Brazil.
2. Naomi Girma
Naomi Girma has been top-of-the-line (and most underrated) gamers for the USWNT on the Paris 2024 Olympics. The middle-back has performed each second of the match, totaling over 510 minutes in 5 matches during the last two weeks, and can as soon as once more begin on the again within the gold medal match.
Regardless of shedding Tierna Davidson subsequent to her for the Stars and Stripes’ two knockout spherical matches, the 24-year-old nonetheless managed to assist Alyssa Naeher hold two clear sheets, locking down each Japan and Germany for 240 minutes.
Girma will likely be relied upon greater than ever in opposition to a Brazil assault that scored 4 objectives within the semi-finals. Thankfully, she is going to line up alongside Davidson as the 2 look to kind a brick wall in opposition to the Selecao.
1. Trinity Rodman
Trinity Rodman has been arguably the perfect participant for the USWNT on the Paris 2024 Olympics. The 22-year-old got here into the match with zero objectives in 2024, and in simply two weeks in France, she already has three, together with the winner to ship the Stars and Stripes to the semi-finals.
Even when she shouldn’t be discovering the again of the web, the winger is actively taking gamers on, utilizing her velocity and dribbling skill to get previous defenders and ship stable service into the field to seek out Sophia Smith or Mallory Swanson.
As a rule, Rodman is the important thing to the USWNT’s assault, particularly in opposition to a low block, and he or she can have loads of alternatives to take advantage of a weakened Brazilian backline on Saturday.
