The U.S. women’s national team will face their biggest test of the Olympic group stage on Sunday when they take on Germany. Both teams are coming off wins on the opening day and are tied on multiple tiebreaks, including goal difference. Germany suffered a lopsided 3-0 defeat to Australia, while Mallory Swanson and Trinity Rodman combined to score three goals against Zambia for a A 3-0 victory gave the USWNT the first points for the group. The US leads the all-time series (23W-5L-7D) against Germany and as the two teams meet for the 36th time, the USWNT also has the competitive advantage on the world stage (4W-1L-0D).
Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming match:
View information
- Date: Sunday July 28 | Time: 3:00 PM ET
- Place: Stade de Marseille — Marseille, France
- TV: USA Network, Telemundo | Live stream: Fubo (try for free)
- Chances: USWNT +119; Sign +215; Germany +215
Projected USWNT lineup
USWNT vs Germany: Alyssa Naeher, Emily Fox, Naomi Girma, Tierna Davidson, Jenna Nighswonger, Sam Coffey, Lindsey Horan, Rose Lavelle, Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson
Storylines
USWNT: Head coach Emma Hayes told media in France that Sophia Smith is in training and available for selection against Germany after leaving the opening match against Zambia in the 43rd minute. That’s great news for the Stars and Stripes after an exciting first half on Matchday 1, where top trio Smith, Rodman and Swanson were each active in goal contributions. They will still be without Jaedyn Shaw, meaning Croix Bethune remains on the full roster heading into this one. The big opportunity will be for the American midfield in general and how they will operate against a German team without Lena Oberdorf.
Germany: The Germans recorded a statement victory against Australia on Thursday after doubts about what they would look like without Oberdorf. Enter Jule Brand comes to the rescue. The 21-year-old was a great player for the team, progressing with the ball and disrupting when necessary. Her activity in the final third was crucial, with five shots and one goal in the victory. The match against the Americans requires better performances from the midfield duo of Sjoeke Nüsken and Janina Minge.
Prediction
It all comes down to the middle third in this one. Who will win the ball and do more with it if he has it? It could happen in this situation, and Germany has a big advantage, while Alexandria Popp is an ever-present threat. Choose: USWNT 0, Germany 1
