Paris 2024: USWNT Shoots For The Medal Rounds
Written by Oluwaseun Oyediji
The United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) will kick off their Olympic knockout journey on Saturday, taking on Japan in a crucial quarterfinal matchup.
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The United States (US) capped off the group stage atop Group B with three wins in three games, while Japan finished as runners-up in Group C with two wins and a loss.
The round highlights the idiosyncrasies of the Olympic format, wherein the winner is guaranteed to play for a medal — while the loser goes home empty-handed.
The US has historically found success in the quarterfinals, having only dropped the match once in 2016’s shocking penalty exit to Sweden.
The last time Japan reached the Olympic medal rounds was in 2012, taking silver after falling to the US in the gold medal match.
Japan lost to Spain in their 2024 Olympic opener before coming back to beat Brazil and finishing strong against Nigeria to exit the group stage with two wins, no draws, and a loss.
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The USWNT most recently faced Japan at the 2024 SheBelieves Cup, walking away with a 2-1 victory off a 77th-minute Lindsey Horan penalty kick after conceding an early goal.
Japan favours a quick counter-attacking style, and the US will want to limit turnovers in the midfield to stay in control.
USWNT boss Emma Hayes will be forced to make at least one change to her starting XI on Saturday, as defensive midfielder Sam Coffey is set to serve a one-game suspension due to yellow card accumulation.
Unlike an injury replacement, International Olympic Committee (IOC) rules prohibit the USWNT from filling Coffey’s gameday roster spot with an alternate, with only 17 players suiting up on Saturday instead of the full 18.
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Tierna Davidson and Jaedyn Shaw’s availability is also up in the air. Davidson (knee contusion) sat out Wednesday’s group stage finale against Australia, while Shaw (leg) has yet to take the pitch in France.
Should the US beat Japan, they will face the winner of Saturday’s quarterfinal between Germany and Canada.
Spain will also play Colombia on Saturday, while France takes on a Marta-less Brazil to round out the day.
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