The United States took on Germany in their second game of the Paris 2024 women’s soccer tournament. The United States were coming off of a 3-0 victory over Zambia. Germany was going to be a tougher opponent. The United States were 1-0-0 in this tournament heading into this game. The United States were second in Group B. Germany were coming off of a 3-0 win over Australia. Germany had a record of 1-0-0. They were first in Group B. The United States and Germany were tied with three points. The winner of this game was going to lead Group B. If the game ended in a draw it would remain tied.
This game was going to be more of a challenge for both squads. Both teams are good. The United States was definitely favored to win this game. They did a lot right in their opening match. They were looking like they would do a lot right in this game. This game looked like it might be decided by one goal. Both teams looked fairly even on paper. I think the United States has that aggressive edge that I thought would help them win.
The United States wasted not time getting a goal. They took the lead in the 10′ minute. Sophia Smith scored the goal and Trinity Rodman got the assist. The ball was passed across the box where smith got it and scored.
Germany received a yellow card in the 18′ minute. Germany tied the game in the 22′ minute. Giulia Gwinn got the goal. Sjoeke Nuesken got the assist. Samantha Coffey of the United States received a yellow card in the 22′ minute. The United States took the lead back in the 26′ minute with a goal from Mallory Swanson. Her goal was unassisted. A United States player shot the ball from just outside of the box. Swanson got the rebound and scored.
In the 44′ minute the United States took a two goal lead. Sophia Smith scored the goal. It was unassisted. Germany attempted to clear the ball out of their own box. Smith got the ball. With defenders closing in she took a shot from outside of the box. The ball hit the crossbar and went in. The United Sates were leading 3-1 going into the second half.
In the 89′ minute, Lynn Williams scored for the United States. Her goal was assisted by Mallory Swanson. Swanson carried the ball down the field. She passed the ball to Williams who had all kinds of time and space in the box. Williams shot did not miss.
The Final score was 4-1 United States. The United States have won back to back games. The United States will be advancing to the knockout stage. This will be the seventh time in a row that the United States women have advanced to the knockout stage in the Olympics. They have advanced to the knockout stage in every single Olympic women’s soccer tournament. They still have one game to play and a huge chance to sweep the group stage.
I thought this game would be a lot closer. Germany just collapsed. They could not keep up with the pace set by the United States. The United States looks really good right now. They are in a form that a lot of people have said they have not seen in years. To some extent I have to agree with that. They are looking a lot better than they did at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023 or Tokyo 2020. This team is fun and exciting to watch. I can’t wait for what they do next.
The United States had the majority of possession. They controlled the ball for 61% of the game. They only had one more shot than Germany. The stats really speak to the dominance on display from the United States. They were able to shut Germany down.
The United States lead Group B. They will be advancing to the knockout stage. Germany are second in Group B. Australia are third in Group B. Zambia are last in Group B. Their only hope for advancing now to get that third place spot and be one of the top two third place teams.
The United States take on Germany for their second game of the group stage. That game will be on Sunday, July 28th, 2024. Kick off is scheduled for 12:00 PM. That game will be at Stade Vélodrome in Marseille, France.
Zac Electrifly 
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