Epic USWNT victory in overtime reveals unexpected heroine in defense

A day filled with high emotions, the U.S. Women's National Team secured their spot in the Paris 2024 Olympic final with a 95th-minute goal from forward Sophia Smith, edging out Germany 1-0. But behind this late-game heroism, an unexpected figure shone brightly: Naomi Girma. With a defensive performance that left everyone in awe, Girma was the keystone that kept the team steady and unbreakable, making the dramatic victory possible.

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Emma Hayes, the head coach of the USWNT, didn't hold back her praise for the young defender. "She's the best defender I've ever seen. Period," Hayes declared after the match. "I've never seen anyone as good as her in defense. She has it all: balance, composure, she can defend, she anticipates, she leads. [She’s] unbelievable." These words aren't just hyperbole; they reflect the monumental impact Girma has had on the U.S.'s Olympic campaign.

The match against Germany was a true test of mental and physical endurance. For 90 minutes of intense action, the U.S. dominated possession and shots, but ran into a brick wall in the German defense. It was only in the added time of the first period of extra time that Sophia Smith found the back of the net, crowning the team’s persistence and collective effort.

While Smith's goal secured the win, it was Girma's solidity that kept American hopes alive. Defending with surgical precision, she was relentless in every tackle, clearing crosses and initiating offensive plays. "She's the glue of our team," Smith said. "No one gets past her. She really locks it down. And I know everyone on the field feels so confident that whenever the ball is in and around the box, we’re gonna clear it because we have Nae back there."

Girma's performance against Germany was a show in itself. With a 95% passing accuracy and an impressive effectiveness in long balls, she displayed maturity and composure worthy of a veteran. Reflecting on the team's growth since being knocked out of the Women's World Cup a year ago, Girma said, "I think last year a lot of us were in transition and now we're in the national team. We’ve played at their international level for much longer and we understand what it takes to win here. I think it was all of us working together, trusting each other, to get to this point."

This humility and teamwork are hallmark traits of Girma, but her teammates don’t hesitate to highlight her significance. "She’s insane," Smith asserted. "She's the best defender in the world. No one gets past her."

The journey to the Olympic final hasn’t been easy for the U.S. Just three days before the victory over Germany, Trinity Rodman was the hero, scoring in the 105+2 minute against Japan to send the team to the semifinals. The physical and mental resilience shown by the team has been extraordinary, especially against such strong opponents.

With this victory, the U.S. advances to the gold medal match for the sixth time in eight Olympic appearances, aiming for their fifth Olympic gold medal. The last win was in London 2012, and the hunger for another title is palpable.

The road to this point has been paved with brilliant individual performances and unwavering team spirit. The U.S. Women's National Team has shown that even in the face of gigantic challenges, the combination of talent, resilience, and teamwork can overcome any obstacle. And on the eve of the final, Naomi Girma has established herself as the defensive anchor who could be the difference between silver and gold.