USWNT vs. Germany Dominates Major Tournament Semifinals

Major tournament semifinals are becoming more and more predictable, but who’s gonna come out on top this time?
United States v Japan: Women's Football Quarterfinal - Olympic Games Paris 2024: Day 8
United States v Japan: Women's Football Quarterfinal - Olympic Games Paris 2024: Day 8 / Daniela Porcelli/ISI Photos/GettyImages
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Some rivalries transcend time and write unforgettable chapters in history, and it's no exaggeration to say the clash between the US Women’s National Team (USWNT) and Germany is one of those rare cases. This showdown, now a classic, is set to happen for the fifth time in a major tournament semifinal.

The greatness of this matchup isn’t just measured by the number of times they've met in major tournament semifinals, but also by the intensity and quality of soccer on display. Over the years, we’ve seen games that could easily be described as early finals.

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When you look at the numbers, it’s clear this rivalry is something special. Five times. Yep, you read that right—five times these teams have squared off in major tournament semifinals, outstripping any other rivalry in the history of the Women’s World Cup and the Olympics. To put this in perspective, the second most frequent semifinal clash is between the US and Brazil, with three meetings.

Thinking about this upcoming encounter inevitably brings back memories of great moments from the past. Who can forget the epic duel in the 2015 World Cup, when the Americans outpaced the Germans in a nail-biting game? Or the 2004 Olympics semifinal, where the US team triumphed in a match decided by the smallest details?

But what makes this rivalry so special? Maybe it’s the blend of two distinct but equally effective styles of play. On one side, you’ve got the physical strength and relentless drive of the Americans, playing with unmatched intensity. On the other, the tactical precision and discipline of the Germans, turning the game into a strategic masterpiece.

Plus, there's something to be said about the consistency and continuity of these teams. Year after year, tournament after tournament, both the US and Germany stay at the top, always competing for the most important titles.

The next semifinal between USWNT and Germany won’t just be another chapter in this rivalry’s history; it’ll be a true test for both teams. Who will come out on top this time? Will the Americans continue their dominance, or will the Germans avenge past defeats and claim the glory?

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