The United States women’s soccer team, aiming for their fifth Olympic gold medal, has advanced to the semifinals after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Japan in extra time. The match, held at the iconic Parc des Princes in Paris, witnessed a passionate crowd, including former Ballon d’Or winner Megan Rapinoe and renowned rapper Snoop Dogg, who cheered on the teams in this long-standing rivalry.
The match was a tense affair, with both teams determined to secure their place in the next round. The U.S. dominated possession early on but struggled to break through the solid Japanese defense. Despite three shots on target in the first half, the deadlock remained unbroken. Japan, however, looked more threatening after the break, pushing for the opening goal. Yet, they only managed one shot on target and were ultimately unable to find the back of the net.
The game entered extra time, and just as the first half was nearing its end, Trinity Rodman delivered a moment of magic. Receiving a long pass from Emily Fox, Rodman unleashed an unstoppable shot that sailed into the top far corner, securing a crucial 1-0 lead for the U.S. This remarkable goal proved to be the difference, sending the U.S. to the semifinals.
The U.S. will now face the winner of the quarterfinal matchup between defending champions Canada and Germany in Marseille. The semifinal match is scheduled to take place later on Saturday, as the journey to Olympic gold continues for the American team. Japan, however, is eliminated from the tournament, marking their second consecutive exit in the quarterfinals after falling at the same stage in the Tokyo Games in 2021.
