3 Thoughts on USWNT-Germany
The Americans booked a knockout stage spot in the Paris Olympics as the goals flowed from the terrific front three.
The U.S. women’s national team booked its ticket to the Olympic knockout stage by downing Germany, the No.4 team in the FIFA Rankings, 4-1, in a commanding performance Sunday. After a poor display at last year’s World Cup the USWNT is ranked fifth in the world.
Sophia Smith scored twice and Mallory Swanson netted once to give the Americans a 3-1 halftime lead, with Giulia Gwinn converting Germany’s lone goal. Lynn Williams came off the bench and put the final nail in the coffin.
The U.S. has not sealed first place in Group B, but it can with at least tie against Australia Wednesday. The only way for the USWNT not to finish top of the group is if Australia beats the U.S. and Germany or the Aussies make up the hefty goal difference margin. Topping the group would mean a quarterfinal date with the runner-up in Group C (likely Japan or Brazil).
Here are my three thoughts on the game:
Goalscoring not a problem for U.S., as terrific frontline shines
A year ago, the Americans scored four goals in four games at the World Cup (three of which were against minnows Vietnam). A week ago, the USWNT was coming off scoring one goal in its two pre-Olympic friendlies vs. CONCACAF teams Mexico and Costa Rica. But after two games at the Paris Games, the goals have flowed like French wine.
For the first time in eight Olympics, the U.S. scored three first-half goals in consecutive matches. After getting off to a blistering start against Zambia, finding the net three times in the first 25 minutes, the USWNT got out of the blocks fast vs. the much-stronger Germans. Smith finished off an artful buildup to open the scoring in the 10th minute. Swanson pounced after goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger could not catch a Smith shot to regain the lead for the U.S. Smith found the net again with some help from a huge deflection off Felicitas Rauch that carried the ball over Berger. Williams added a fourth goal in the 90th minute by slotting an unstoppable attempt to the far post.
The attack is a force for the Americans — something we have not been able to say since the 2019 World Cup in France — as no opponent have been able to contain the pace, creativity and finishing of Smith, Swanson and Trinity Rodman. The fearsome three have combined to record six goals and three assists in the U.S.’s first two matches. And there may be much more growth in the future with an average age of just 23.6.
Popp ineffective in midfield; blunting the Germans’ biggest weapon
When the starting lineups were announced, the U.S.’s had no surprises (it was the same as the Olympic opener). However, Germany decided to play Alexandra Popp, the towering traditional center forward, as a midfielder. I do not know what head coach Horst Hrubesch was trying to do, but it did not work.
It was a boon, a godsend for the USWNT. Popp, 33, who is not blessed with pace, was left chasing the Americans in possession. Germany’s biggest attacking weapon was not put in a position to be an aerial threat that could have tormented the American backline on crosses. All she did was log minutes and miles on her legs; consequently, she forced to be substituted in the 68th minute.
Germany did have some positive attacking play from Gwinn, who lasered in an equalizer from outside the box, and Lea Schüller got in some dangerous positions. But the Germans could have been much more menacing if Popp was lurking in the box and not sitting back in midfield.
Tierna Davidson’s injury, if serious, is a concern for the U.S.
The center back limped off the field in the 44th minute, forcing the USWNT to bring in Emily Sonnett. Germany did not challenge much in the second half, but if Davidson is sidelined for a longer period, the Americans can be exposed at the back. Sonnett is a versatile veteran, but strong teams in the knockout stage can beat the U.S. defense.
It is also disheartening for Davidson, who missed last year’s World Cup and has battled a spate of injuries in the last few years. What’s more, Davidson was just beginning to create a strong partnership with Girma at the heart of defense. Smith humbled off before the break Thursday against Zambia but played and scored twice Sunday. Let’s hope Davidson returns with similar punctuality.