Key Events: In the 4th minute, the U.S. launched a counterattack with Rodman taking possession on the right flank, penetrating into the box and then delivering a cross to the far post where Lavelle’s shot was straight at the goalkeeper and easily saved.
Game Report: On August 7, in the semi-final of the Paris Olympic Women’s Football tournament, the United States faced off against Germany.
The U.S. team had reached the semi-finals for the second consecutive time, while Germany returned to the Olympic semi-finals after an eight-year absence since the 2016 Rio Olympics. In their last 18 meetings, the U.S. held a record of ten wins, six draws, and only two losses during regular time, including an undefeated streak of three wins and one draw in official matches at the Olympics and World Cup.
In the 2nd minute, the U.S. sent a left-sided free-kick into the penalty area, but Davidson’s header from the far post was too central and comfortably saved by the goalkeeper.
In the 17th minute, Germany took a corner kick from the right which led to confusion in front of goal, but Naeher cleared the danger.
In the 24th minute, Brand received the ball inside the box and attempted a low-angle shot that was saved by Naeher diving to her right.
In the 38th minute, the U.S. delivered a left-sided corner kick, but it was too close to the goalkeeper who came out and easily collected the ball.
The remainder of the first half saw little threatening play from either side, ending with a scoreline of 0-0.
Player Lineups:
USA Starting XI: 1-Naeher; 7-Dunn; 4-Gilma; 12-Davidson; 2-Fox; 10-Horan; 9-Pugh; 16-Lavelle; 5-Rodman; 17-Coffy; 11-Smith; Substitutes: 18-Murphy; 14-Sonnett; 6-Kreiger; 3-Albright; 13-Nelson; 8-Williams; 15-Shaw;
Germany Starting XI: 12-Berger; 3-Hendrich; 15-Gwinn; 5-Hegering; 19-Rauch; 6-Ming; 17-Bur; 8-Romann; 16-Brand; 21-Anjumet; 9-Nussken; Substitutes: 1-Flöms; 13-Hajeh; 2-Lind; 4-Bibiana; 14-Elisabeth; 10-Frohms; 18-Vivian;