Like the US, Germany — the USWNT’s next opponent — also emerged from Thursday’s group stage play on top, becoming the only other women’s soccer team at the 2024 Paris Olympics to win their first game by three or more goals.
Germany took down Australia 3-0 in their opening match, setting the stage for a blockbuster weekend showdown with the US as both teams vie for group stage dominance. With both earning three points and a +3 goal differential on Thursday, the US and Germany will strive to render their respective third games as meaningless as possible.
A win on Sunday by either Germany or the US — combined with a draw between Australia and Zambia — would guarantee a quarterfinal berth for whichever team finishes the weekend with six points in Group B.
Injuries could affect USWNT vs. Germany outcome
Availability will be a key factor in the USWNT’s success, with the status of strikers Sophia Smith and Jaedyn Shaw still unclear after Thursday’s substitutions.
Germany is still adjusting to the loss of star midfielder Lena Oberdorf to a pre-Olympics ACL injury, but they looked in fine form against Australia with goals from Marina Hegering, Lea Schuller, and Jule Brand sealing…
