USWNT and Germany meet in epic duel at 2024 Olympics

Ah, the Olympics! The perfect setting for epic battles and memorable moments. The US Women's National Soccer Team has already shown what it's made of with an overwhelming 3-0 win over Zambia, but now the stakes are different: the mighty Germany. Next Sunday, July 28, the Stade Vélodrome will host a clash of titans that promises to rattle the nerves of the fans.

The USA didn't mess around in their opener. Trinity Rodman opened the scoring in the 17th minute, showing that the Americans are not to be trifled with. Malory Swanson, with her usual precision, extended the lead in the space of 70 seconds, scoring two goals that will go down in the history books of the Women's Olympic Football Tournament. Lindsey Horan, the captain, gave a lesson in leadership and skill with two assists, while Sophia Smith also contributed to the party, being essential with her movement, confusing the opposing defense.

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On the other hand, Zambia saw their mission further complicated when Pauline Zulu was sent off after a VAR review in the 34th minute. With one player less, the Copper Queens barely had a chance to react. The American defense, impeccable under new coach Emma Hayes, managed to neutralize the fearsome Barbra Banda, the NWSL's top scorer, limiting the Zambians to just three shots on goal.

The win against Zambia was the fifth game without conceding a goal for the Americans under Hayes, who is unbeaten in her first five matches. However, the match against Germany is of a different magnitude. Both teams are giants of the women's game, with World Cup titles and Olympic gold medals under their belts.

Germany also got off to a flying start, beating Australia 3-0. Sunday's clash promises to be electrifying, with the two teams tied at the top of the Group B standings. It will be the first time that the USA and Germany have met in the group stage of a World Cup or Olympics, which adds extra spice to this historic encounter.

Historically, the USA have the upper hand against Germany, with 23 wins, 5 losses and 7 draws. However, Germany's only victory over the Americans in a world championship came in the semi-finals of the 2003 Women's World Cup. Since then, the USA have stood firm, winning their most recent encounters, including the semi-final of the 2015 Women's World Cup.

The USA's Olympic debutants, such as Rodman, Girma, Fox, Coffey and Smith, have already shown that they are up to the challenge. However, the absence of Jaedyn Shaw, who suffered a leg injury, and Smith's injury in the 42nd minute against Zambia, raise some concerns. Lynn Williams came on in place of Smith and could be a crucial cog in the Germany team's attack.

Emma Hayes has a tricky task: managing her players' minutes in a tournament as intense as the Olympics. With only 18 players available, rotation and rest will be essential to keep them fresh until the knockout stages.
Germany, ranked fourth in the FIFA Women's World Ranking, is the highest-ranked opponent the USA will face since their match against Sweden in the round of 16 at the 2023 Women's World Cup. This is the first time since 2015 that the USA have entered the field with a lower ranking than their opponents. Not to mention that the rivalry between the USWNT and Germany has always provided great thrills, and this time should be no different. The last time they met was in two friendly matches at the end of 2022, with each team winning a game. Now, with the weight of the Olympics on their shoulders, the competition promises to be even fiercer.

With a successful record on French soil, the Americans will be hoping to keep up their good form and remain unbeaten under Hayes. Strategy, skill and, of course, passion for the game will all be put to the test in a clash that could determine the outcome of Group B. Will the USA continue their winning ways, or will Germany spring a surprise and take the lead in the group? We'll know as soon as the whistle blows.