TNT Sports
USA v Germany – Olympic women's football semi-final - recap
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Published 06/08/2024 at 17:20 GMT+1
The women's football tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games is at the final four stage with the USA taking on Germany in a huge match in Lyon. Emma Hayes is looking to win a medal on her first assignment since taking charge of the the USWNT but standing between her and the final is a Germany looking for revenge after their group-stage thrashing by the same opponents.
Ouch! Referee gets taken out by Spain player and floored, has to substitute himself
Video credit: TNT Sports
120+1' - AND THE USA ARE INTO THE FINAL!
Smith almost added the second on the break with Berger making the stop, but it didn't matter in the end. The USA with a 1-0 win after extra-time that was deserved on the night.
118' - LATE FREE-KICK CHANCE FOR GERMANY
Just outside the USA box as Smith clips Brand with a late tackle. Buhl with a free-kick that is knocked into the wall. Then chips a cross into the box. Header from Freigang is somehow saved by Naeher. How did that not go in? US so fortunate.
116' - BRAND PENALISED FOR A HANDBALL
And that is just what the doctor ordered for the USA, who can waste a few more precious seconds with the clock now firmly against Germany in this semi-final.
114' - USA DROPPING DEEPER AND DEEPER
Never sure that is a great tactic, but the USA seems to be happy to hold what they've got. Germany obviously aren't. A corner dragged into the box. Brand tries to knock the second ball towards goal, but drops kindly for Naeher. All very frantic late on.
112' - SMITH LOOKING TO RUN DOWN TIME
Well, that seems like a long way from home to be doing that, but the USA are going to make a change anyway to stiffen up their ambitions. Casey Krueger is on for Mallory Swanson with America on the cusp of victory.
110' - AND ANOTHER BOOKING HAS BEEN DOLED OUT
Jule Brand with a late one on Smith to attract the attention of the referee Bouchra Karboubi, who has enjoyed a decent performance in letting the game flow.
108' - SAFE HANDS FROM THE US GOALKEEPER
Naeher grabs the cross from Giulia Gwinn before falling on top of the ball to waste a few seconds. Meanwhile, Sara Doorsoun has replaced Felicitas Rauch for the 2016 Olympic champions.
106' - WE ARE OFF AND RUNNING!
Germany with the kick-off in the second period of extra-time. Feels like a long way back from here, but one-goal leads can be snuffed out quickly.
105+1' - HALF-TIME IN EXTRA-TIME
And the USA are halfway to contesting the gold medal match against Brazil or Spain at the Parc des Princes on Saturday night.
104' - EMMA HAYES DEMANDING FOCUS FROM USA
Still some way to go in extra-time, but they are well and truly in the box seat as Berger makes a brilliant stop to deny Smith a killer second. Not a great finish though.
102' - NOT A BAD RETURN FROM A TRIP TO FRANCE
Sophia Smith might well end up as the matchwinner here. She turns 24 on Saturday, the day of the gold medal match in Paris.
100' - SWANSON WITH TOO MUCH PACE ON CORNER
Ball flies over to the other side of the pitch. The USA no longer have to force the issue here. All about game management, and keeping possession in the right areas.
98' - WHAT HAVE GERMANY GOT IN RESPONSE?
Well, the USA seem to have taken real confidence from that goal as Rodman sees a shot deflect wide of the German goal.
96' - GOAL! (SMITH) USA 1-0 GERMANY
That is a brilliant goal for the US as Smith bounds onto the pass from Swanson to lift the ball over Berger as she raced from her line. Poor from the keeper, but was an excellent finish. Finally the deadlock is broken.
94' - SWANSON SHOWING QUALITY
She looks like it could be the inspiration for the USA as she knocks a shot wide of goal from outside the box as Buhl's effort at the other end is clasped by Naeher.
92' - NEWS OF CHANGES MADE
Korbin Albert replaces Lindsey Horan and Jenna Nighswonger is on for Crystal Dunn for the US with Germany sending on Elisa Senß for Sydney Lohmann.
91' - OFF WE GO FOR THE FIRST HALF OF EXTRA-TIME
Almost feels a bit like survival of the fittest in Lyon. Nobody wants to lose this match. Hence the reason why we have arrived at this nerve-shredding juncture.
90+5' - AND THERE GOES THE FINAL WHISTLE!
We will need another 30 minutes of added time and possibly pens to settle this semi-final. Naeher collects the Brand header at goal with ease. So on we go in Lyon.
89' - FIVE MINUTES ADDED TO THE SEMI-FINAL
Does anybody have the bravery or vision to get this match won in regulation time? One piece of magic or a mistake will settle it.
88' - WILL WE NEED EXTRA-TIME?
It looks like we could be heading in that direction as Rodman picks out Swanson, but her cutback is easy enough for Berger to collect. USA seem to have upped their work-rate in the hunt for the winner.
86' - OFFSIDE FLAG GOES UP
Swanson races through on goal to slam the shot into the net, but Germany had got their defensive unit out in time to play her offside.
84' - CHANCE FOR US TO CUT OPEN GERMANY
But has been the story of the night as Swanson can't pick out Smith on the run. Frustrating end to a decent build-up.
82' - USA HAVE FOUND THIS HARD WORK
The four-time Olympic champions produced three shots in the opening 10 minutes, but have struggled to open up Germany from that point onwards.
80' - RODMAN TRIES HER LUCK
Does well to control the shot from 22 yards, but lacked the pace to beat Berger, who again shows quality to make the stop.
78' - BERGER TO THE RESCUE FOR GERMANY
A solid diving stop to her right to keep out the header from Horan after the ball was nodded on by Coffey.
76' - LOOKS LIKE AN ENFORCED REPLACEMENT
Marina Hegering has run her race for the night. Signal seems to be that a change is required ASAP. She is replaced by Bibiane Schulze.
74' - WILL THERE BE FURTHER CHANGES?
This is where the coaching staff can really earn their money. A lot of players suddenly dropping with cramp. Marina Hegering down after halting the Rodman cross.
72' - ONE GOAL WILL WIN THIS MATCH
That much is pretty much assured here. One piece of quality is required in the closing stages as Janina Minge sees a long-range effort caught by Naeher.
70' - USA TRY TO OPEN UP SPACE
Smith and Rodman working decent angles on the edge of the opposition box, but Germany covering the threat via Hegering. Smith then hits Williams attempting a shot as the ball spins wide.
68' - CHANGE COMING FOR GERMANY
Anyomi is not going to recover from her predicament and is replaced by Laura Freigang.
66' - FINAL BALL IS MISSING AT THE KEY TIME
Girma doing superbly well to cut out a dangerous ball during a Germany attack. Cramp afflicting Nicole Anyomi, who needs a spot of treatment.
64' - IS FATIGUE SETTING IN HERE?
Seems like this match could be settled by a mistake with both teams playing a fifth match in 12 days. Nothing between these sides in this semi-final.
62' - GOLDEN CHANCE FOR USA
Swanson picks up the ball from the back to round Berger. Slips the finish at Germany's goal, but into the side netting. Suspect she might have been offside. What a ball from Girma too.
60' - WILLIAMS STRAIGHT INTO THE ACTION
Decent idea as she wheels a ball into the box looking for Horan, but Germany have the numbers back to deal with the delivery.
58' - USA SET TO SHUFFLE THE PACK
Emma Hayes ready to make an alteration as her side are not dictating tempo or possession at the moment. Lynn Williams being brought on to take over from Lavelle for the US.
56' - GERMANY FINDING MOMENTUM
Breaking up the USA possession play with some menace before Giulia Gwinn thumps an effort wide of the target by a couple of yards. Decent hit there.
54' - BRAND VERY MUCH TO THE FORE
Causing a few problems for the USA in dropping deep to collect the ball. This times gets a shot away, but Naeher with a comfortable save.
52' - SO MUCH TRAFFIC IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PARK
Difficult to find space with neither side willing to risk any errors. Germany playing a 4-4-2 formation, but very fluid in closing down.
50' - ALL VERY TAUT AND TENSE
Both teams know what is on the line here. A far cry from that opening game of the event that the USA won 4-1. A solitary goal might well be enough tonight.
48' - ONE CHANGE AT THE BREAK
Emily Sonnett replaces Tierna Davidson for the USA. Clearly hints at an injury to Davidson.
46' - OFF WE GO FOR THE SECOND HALF
Who is going to come out top in the second half? Great block by Fox after Sjoeke Nüsken has a go at goal.
45' - NO ADDED TIME IN THE FIRST HALF
And that is 0-0 in Lyon between Germany and the US A at the break. This semi-final is right in the mixer.
43' - FIRST BOOKING OF THE DAY
Referee has finally seen enough with Hegering earning a yellow for a late one on Swanson. Free-kick pumped into the box, but Hendrich is taken out late to ease pressure on Germany.
41'- USA HAPPY TO BE PATIENT IN OWN HALF
Rodman tries to pick out Swanson on the run, but again Germany have enough bodies back to handle the danger. USA began the half on top, and they seem to be ending it that way.
39' - LOOKS LIKE 0-0 AT THE BREAK
37' - USA WITH ANOTHER CORNER
Rodman almost setting up Smith for a finish, but she miscues at the vital moment. Horan then involved in earning her side a corner, but Berger is quickly off her line to claim the loose ball.
35' - NO BOOKINGS SO FAR
Which is interesting as there have been plenty of late challenges. The latest one committed by Nicole Anyomi on Fox did not lack vigour.
33' - STRATEGY THE NAME OF THE GAME
Neither side finding the magic formula to open up their opponents for an opening goal. Which probably suits Germany a bit more amid a series of fouls in the first half.
31' - RODMAN BACK DEFENDING
Klara Bühl popping a long free-kick into the heart of the USA box, but that is all a bit aimless. Fails to beat the first player before Rodman helps out in defence to clear the danger.
29' - FREE-KICK CHANCE FOR USA
Germany with three players in the wall. Lavelle opts to dink the deadball into the box rather than go for goal, but nothing doing as the pink shirts react quickest to clear the danger. Still 0-0.
27' - GERMANY DETERMINED TO KEEP THE BALL
Almost at any cost it seems as they work the ball back to Berger in goal, who would rather work it short again than thump it long to relinquish pressure.
25' - USA FANS IN PARTY MOOD
Win, lose or draw, it seems that the fans are at the Olympic Games to party. First goal could be crucial. USA not as clinical so far as in their previous match with Germany.
23' - ANOTHER DANGEROUS MOVE BY GERMANY
Alyssa Naeher doing well to repel the finish by Brand from the Nüsken pass. Germany certainly carrying a threat.
21' - LOOKS LIKE THIS COULD BE CLOSER THAN 4-1
A much closer battle than their tournament opener in France with Germany enjoying some success in the midfield area.
19' - FOX TAKING NO CHANCES FOR USA
Germany happy to take the aerial route towards the opposition goal as Naeher again reacts well to punch away the Bühl corner. No prizes for guessing the German approach today.
17' - THE 2016 OLYMPIC WINNERS COMING TO LIFE
A bit brighter from them after a sticky start to this match. Germany seeing a bit more of the ball and able to get a feel for possession too.
15' - GERMANY EARN A FIRST CORNER OF THE NIGHT
This a chance for Germany to apply some pressure. Rauch dropping the ball right into the middle of the box, but Naeher comes through the traffic to punch away.
13' - PLENTY OF NOISE IN THE STADIUM
A crowd of around 15,000 watching this semi-final.
11' - GERMANY IN SURVIVAL MODE
Trinity Rodman is hauled down by Felicitas Rauch before the USA win a corner seconds later. Lavelle with the delivery, but Berger doing enough to punch clear the danger. For now.
9' - BRIGHT START BY USA
Dominating the ball with 67% of possession and already three shots at goal with Germany pressed back in their own half.
7' - HAYES CALLING FOR MOVEMENT IN HER TEAM
Keen to see USA bring width and pace to the party in this opening half. Clearly look like they have Germany's number as Smith wallops another shot straight at Berger.
5' - AND STILL THE US LOOK FOR OPENER
Lovely sweeping move by America leaves Germany a bit short of numbers at the back, but the finish by Lavelle is again straight into the arms of Berger. That was a very decent chance.
3' - USA LOOKING TO GET ON FRONT FOOT
Would dearly love to strike early and almost on the board in opening seconds as Davidson is unmarked at back post from a free-kick by Swanson, but heads straight into arms of Berger in the Germany goal.
1' - GERMANY GET THE BALL ROLLING
A lovely night for football, but a warm one too. Not much of a breeze inside the stadium. So likely to be a water break or two required. Fifth game in 12 days for these teams. Demanding.
1655 – TEAMS ON WAY OUT
This could be an absolute thriller in Lyon. Teams out for the national anthems. The USA with plenty of backing in France. USA in white, Germany in changed pink number. Two rousing national anthems. And we are almost set to go.
1650 – GERMANY COACH HAPPY WITH SQUAD
“We have grown quite well in this tournament,” said Horst Hrubesch after the win over Canada in the last eight. “And we also saw in the first game [v the USA] that we actually played quite well.
“They are effective, they score goals. We need to stop that.”
1645 – FULL STARTING LINE-UPS FOR THIS EVENING
USA: Alyssa Naeher, Emily Fox, Naomi Girma, Trinity Rodman, Crystal Dunn, Mallory Swanson, Lindsey Horan, Sophia Smith, Tierna Davidson, Sam Coffey. Rose Lavelle
Germany: Ann-Katrin Berger, Kathrin Hendrich, Marina Hegering, Janina Minge, Sydney Lohmann, Sjoeke Nusken, Giulia Gwinn, Jule Brand, Klara Buhl, Felicitas Rauch, Nicole Anyomi
1640 – MATCH OFFICIALS FOR TONIGHT
1635 – EMMA HAYES WARY OF GERMAN THREAT
"Just because we beat them a few days ago doesn't mean we will beat them again," said the USA coach. "That's not how football works is it?
"I know fans want to see flashy, but we need to play the right game for the right opponent and that's what we'll do."
Sophia Smith scored twice with Mallory Swanson and Lynn Williams on target in a 4-1 win in the group stage as Giulia Gwinn netted for Germany.
1630 – TWO CHANGES FOR EACH SIDE
USA coach Emma Hayes has handed a return to Sam Coffey in midfield after suspension with Tierna Davidson back in defence as Korbin Albert and Emily Sams drop out from the 1-0 win over Japan in the quarter-finals.
Meanwhile, Horst Hrubesch makes two changes from Germany's penalty shoot-out victory over defending champions Canada in the last eight with Nicole Anyomi and Sydney Lohmann both in from the start as Lea Schuller and Alexandra Popp miss out due to injury and illness.
1625 – GERMANY'S SIDE FOR TONIGHT
1620 – HOW THE USA LINE UP
1615 – GOOD AFTERNOON FROM A TRUE HEAVYWEIGHT BATTLE
Welcome to a huge semi-final clash in Lyon between women's football heavyweights Germany and the USA. The US enjoyed a 4-1 win over Germany in the group stage in Marseille under new head coach Emma Hayes last month. That might give the former world champions the edge this evening with the winner of this encounter facing Brazil or Spain for the gold medal in the Parc des Princes on Saturday.
The US are also appearing in a seventh Olympic Games semi-finals from eight appearances having struck gold four times between 1996 and 2012 with Germany successful in 2016. As they say in boxing, let's get ready to rumble.
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US' English coach Emma Hayes shouts instructions to her players from the sideline in the women's group B football match between Australia and the USA.
Image credit: Getty Images
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