USWNT beats Australia to set up Olympic quarterfinal with Japan

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Questions USWNT will have to answer to beat Japan

Jeff Kassouf reacts to the USWNT's 2-1 win over Australia that books them a spot in the women's soccer quarterfinals vs. Japan.

Updated: Jul 31, 2024, 10:05 pm

Goals from Trinity Rodman and Korbin Albert gave the U.S. women's national team a 2-1 win over Australia in Marseille on Wednesday to secure first place in Group B at the Olympic Games and set up a quarterfinal against Japan in Paris on Saturday.

The U.S. went into the game with a place in the knockout phase already confirmed after two impressive wins over Zambia and Germany, while the result resulted in elimination for Australia.

The Americans made it a perfect three wins of three in France after Rodman broke the deadlock when poking the ball home from close range following a corner in the 43rd minute. The goal took several minutes to be confirmed after an apparent equipment malfunction between the referee and VAR while reviewing a potential offside against Sam Coffey. 

The goal was Rodman's second of the Olympics, following her effort in the opening game against Zambia. The forward has also now scored or assisted in three straight matches for the first time in her international career.

The front trio of Rodman, Sophia Smith and Mallory Swanson has scored seven of the team's nine goals in France.

Trinity Rodman has enjoyed a strong start to the 2024 Olympics with the USWNT.
Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Albert looked to have made sure of the win for the four-time gold medalists in the 77th minute. Not long after coming on as a substitute, the midfielder found the net with a spectacular strike from distance for her first USWNT goal.

But, after comfortable three-goal wins to start the competition, the U.S. was given a sterner test by Australia, which ensured a nervy last few minutes when Alanna Kennedy pulled a goal back in second-half stoppage time.

Despite already being through, USWNT coach Emma Hayes elected to make just one change to her starting lineup, with Emily Sonnet coming in for Tierna Davidson.

The U.S. suffered a blow, though, with Coffey picking up a second yellow card of the competition, which means she will be suspended for the match against Japan.

Australia needed a draw to be sure of making the knockout phase and was eliminated after failing to finish as one of the two best third-placed teams. 

The Americans' game against Australia was a rematch of the bronze medal match at the Tokyo Games. The United States won 4-3 on goals from Carli Lloyd and Megan Rapinoe, who have both since retired.

Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.