If the USWNT wants to win gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics, they will need huge performances from three of their best players.
The U.S. Women’s National Team came into the Paris 2024 Olympics as one of the favorites to win gold, and they have shown why over the last two weeks. Emma Hayes’ squad finished atop Group B, and then went on to defeat Japan in the quarter-finals and Germany in the semi-finals to punch their ticket to the gold medal match on Saturday, Aug. 10.
The only team left standing in the way of a record fifth gold medal for the Stars and Stripes is Brazil. The Selecao are coming off two victories over France and Spain, and will look to end the USWNT’s unbeaten run under Hayes.
In the biggest match of the summer, the United States will rely on their superstars to get the job done against a worthy Brazilian side led by Marta.
3. Sophia Smith
Sophia Smith was a key player heading into the Paris 2024 Olympics, and she has only become more important for the USWNT as the tournament unfolded. The forward has scored three goals so far this summer, including the extra time winner against Germany to send the Stars and Stripes to their first gold medal match since 2012.
The 23-year-old is one of the United States’ most dangerous and versatile players; whether she is on the wing or slotting in as the No. 9, Smith produces a quality in the final third the USWNT has lacked over the last few years.
The Stars and Stripes will need Smith’s elite vision and finishing to lead them to victory in the gold medal match against Brazil.
2. Naomi Girma
Naomi Girma has been one of the best (and most underrated) players for the USWNT at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The center-back has played every second of the tournament, totaling over 510 minutes in five matches over the last two weeks, and will once again start at the back in the gold medal match.
Despite losing Tierna Davidson next to her for the Stars and Stripes’ two knockout round matches, the 24-year-old still managed to help Alyssa Naeher keep two clean sheets, locking down both Japan and Germany for 240 minutes.
Girma will be relied upon more than ever against a Brazil attack that scored four goals in the semi-finals. Fortunately, she will line up alongside Davidson as the two look to form a brick wall against the Selecao.
1. Trinity Rodman
Trinity Rodman has been arguably the best player for the USWNT at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The 22-year-old came into the tournament with zero goals in 2024, and in just two weeks in France, she already has three, including the winner to send the Stars and Stripes to the semi-finals.
Even when she is not finding the back of the net, the winger is actively taking players on, using her speed and dribbling ability to get past defenders and deliver solid service into the box to find Sophia Smith or Mallory Swanson.
More often than not, Rodman is the key to the USWNT’s attack, especially against a low block, and she will have plenty of opportunities to exploit a weakened Brazilian backline on Saturday.
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