Read how USWNT defeats Japan 1-0 and advances to the Paris 2024 semifinals. Keep scrolling for more updates and the latest updates.
Match Overview
In the electrifying quarterfinal match at Parc des Princes, the US Women’s National Team secured a place in the semifinals at the Paris 2024 Olympics dramatically, defeating Japan 1-0. The game went into extra time and was sealed by a stunning Trinity Rodman goal. The USWNT takes away a hard-fought win, so setting them up to face the winner of Canada vs. Germany in Lyon on Tuesday.
First Half: Defensive Standoff
The match began with both teams showing a defense at its best. This led to a scoreless first half. While the USWNT women did break through the Japanese women’s defense once or twice, at the end of the first half, the score was 0-0.
See also: Canada Women’s Thrilling 1-0 Victory Over Colombia at the Paris Olympics
Second Half: Fierce Battle
This second half was bedecked with intensity from both teams in pursuit of the elusive goal. Superb goalkeeping and stout defending kept it level going into extra time.

Extra Time: Rodman’s Magic Moment
In the first half of extra time, Trinity Rodman was the heroine. She rounded the defenders from Japan from a nice cross-field pass from Dunn, then sent in a long and strong left-footed shot, curled to the top corner, scoring the only goal.

Final Whistle: USWNT Hangs On
Though Japan never gave up in its quest to level, the USWNT women’s defense remained steadfast. By the close of the action, the US had secured a 1-0 victory—the mark of quite an accomplishment as it moves into the semifinals.
See also: Brazil’s Impressive 1-0 Victory Over France: Paris 2024
Player Performances
Trinity Rodman: The Decisive Factor
Rodman’s performance was all interesting for the game. She was having trouble all day but came good when it mattered most to provide that crucial goal that sent the USWNT women into the semifinals.

Rose Lavelle: Midfield Maestro
Rose Lavelle was exceptional, operating with class and vision from midfield; playing an essential role in keeping the tempo of the game and fashioning chances for the US women’s team.

Alyssa Naeher: The Guardian
Though Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher only made a few critical interventions, she did enough to ensure the clean sheet and see her side through to the next round—the progression the USWNT needed.

Tactical Breakdown: Solidity at the back
It was perfect, their defensive plan. This experienced and savvy backline did a great job of letting Japanese women create very little in attack. Pervasively, this defensive solidity became one of the hallmarks of this team.

Flexibility in Tactics
Coach Vlatko Andonovski made a few critical changes in tactics during the extra period. The decision to keep Rodman on the pitch despite knowing that she risked a yellow card proved quite critical. As far as the midfield is concerned, Jenna Nighswonger brought new energy.
Getting Wide
The USWNT women did well to play the width of the pitch. Players like Dunn and Rodman stretched the Japanese women’s defense, creating space to allow for critical plays at the end of the game—including the match-winner.

Looking Ahead: Semifinal Predictions, Potential Opponents
Depending on how the final quarterfinal match goes, the USWNT women will be facing either Canadian women or German women in the semifinals. Both teams pose different challenges: Canadian women: Have a very physical playing style and are usually tactically disciplined. German women—technically astute and powerfully built-in attack—could well be a handful that the US women’s defense would least like to confront.
Key Factors for Success
Defensive Solidity: The USWNT women must build on their credible performances in the defense department against formidable attacking units of their opponents in the semifinals.
Midfield Mindedness: There will be battles to be won in midfield, too. Mainstays Lavelle and Nighswonger would be tested for their controlling midfielders’ mettle in keeping the pace and fashioning chances.
Clinical Finishing: The created chances must be converted by the forwards spearheaded by Rodman if they are to get to the final.
Predictions
Having analyzed the form and fighting spirit of the USWNT women, they have every reason and chance of getting to the final. However, it calls for undivided attention and a change of tactics to unlock the next opponent’s weakness and get through to the final.
Conclusion: USWNT Defeats Japan to reach Semis
The class, the will, and the tactics were all exhibited in the USWNT women’s victory over Japanese women. While advancing to the semifinals, the team shall work on this momentum by building further and improving whatever went wrong at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Contributing crucially with key players coming up at the right time, together with a good game plan, puts the USWNT women in a great position for Olympic glory.