The U.S. women’s soccer team is advancing to the semifinals of the 2024 Paris Olympics after securing a 1-0 victory over Japan in extra time on Saturday.
Trinity Rodman netted the only goal of the match during stoppage time in the first period of extra time.
Entering the match, the United States had dominated their earlier opponents, outscoring them 9-2 without a loss in the group stage. Despite the Americans maintaining solid possession, Japan showcased impressive defense, and both teams were tied at zero at the end of regulation time.
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Trinity Rodman of the United States celebrates after scoring her team’s only goal during the Women’s Quarterfinal match against Japan at the Olympic Games in Paris 2024. (Daniela Porcelli/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
Mallory Swanson, who has scored three goals for the women’s team in this tournament, had several chances to score in the second half but was unable to convert.
The United States struggled to find their rhythm, making uncharacteristic mistakes with errant passes and missed opportunities.
This match adds to the historical rivalry between the U.S. and Japan; Japan triumphed over the Americans in the 2011 Women’s World Cup final, while the U.S. claimed victory against Japan in the 2012 Olympic final.
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Naomi Girma, Lindsey Horan, Trinity Rodman, and Korbin Albert of the United States celebrate during the women’s quarterfinal match against Japan at the Olympic Games in Paris on August 3, 2024. (Daniela Porcelli/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
The U.S. also defeated Japan during the 2015 World Cup, where Carli Lloyd remarkably scored three goals in the opening 16 minutes.
Japan’s Olympic journey has come to an end, as they were defeated by Sweden in the quarterfinals, similar to their performance in the 2020 Tokyo Games.
The United States is now one step closer to winning a medal, having secured the bronze at the previous Olympics after falling to Canada in the semifinals.
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Ayaka Yamashita of Japan defends against Sophia Smith, #11 of the United States, in the women’s quarterfinal match during the 2024 Olympics. (Andrea Vilchez/ISI/Getty Images)
The United States will face the winner of the Germany vs. Canada match in the semifinals, having previously defeated Germany 4-1 in the group stage.
The semifinal is scheduled for August 6, at 12 p.m. ET.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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