Naomi Girma's Incredible Performance that Took the USWNT to the Olympic Final

If there’s one thing nobody expected, it was to see young Naomi Girma emerge as the true heroine of the U.S. Women's National Team. While all the spotlight was on the star forwards, it was Girma who stole the show. Let’s be honest, without her, the USWNT might not even be in the Olympic final. The firmness and elegance of this defender are jaw-dropping.

Naomi Girma has become the backbone of the American defense, a true impenetrable wall. Her ability to anticipate plays, her calmness under pressure, and her natural leadership have made her stand out as the best defender coach Emma Hayes has ever seen. And Hayes has seen a lot of good players on fields worldwide. In a recent interview, after the hard-fought victory against Germany, Hayes didn’t hold back her praise: "She’s the best defender I’ve ever seen. Never have I seen a player so complete in defense. She has it all: poise, composure, defensive ability, anticipation, and leadership. It’s unbelievable."

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And it’s no wonder. Against Germany, Girma was everywhere, clearing crosses, supporting when Crystal Dunn advanced, initiating offensive plays (she started the play for Sophia Smith’s goal), and making crucial tackles near the goal.

The numbers don’t lie. The USWNT defense has allowed only two goals in five games at these Olympics, keeping a clean sheet in the last two matches. It’s an impressive record, especially in a tournament where the pressure is always at its peak. Much of this success is due to Girma's imposing presence in the defense. Alyssa Naeher, the team’s experienced goalkeeper, compared Girma to legend Becky Sauerbrunn, a player with 219 appearances for the national team known for her defensive solidity. "I think the world of Naomi," Naeher said. "She plays with a calmness and firmness that really reminds me of Becky, honestly – just the poise and the way she handles herself and commits to getting the job done."

What’s even more impressive is Girma’s journey. A year ago, she was part of the team that was eliminated from the Women's World Cup. This bitter experience seems to have fueled her determination to help the USWNT achieve their goals. "I think last year a lot of us were in transition and now we’ve been on the national team longer. We’ve played internationally much more and understand what it takes to win here," said Girma. "I think it was just a collective effort, trusting each other to get to this point."

Sophia Smith, who scored the winning goal in the semifinal, summed up Girma’s importance well: "She’s insane," said Smith. "She’s the best defender in the world. Nobody gets past her. She’s the glue of our team. She really holds everything together. And I know everyone on the field feels so confident that whenever the ball is near the area, we’re gonna get it out because we have Nae back there."

With Girma in defense, the team knows they have a defensive fortress that can withstand any pressure. This confidence translates into more secure performances and, eventually, into victories. Now, they are one game away from winning the gold medal, facing Brazil in the final, a team that knocked out world champions Spain 4-2 in a thrilling semifinal.