Hayes leads USA to final of Paris 2024 after tense win over Germany

Sophia Smith struck in extra-time as the USA remained on course for a record-extending fifth Olympic gold with a 1-0 semi-final win over Germany in Lyon.

2016 winners Germany had lost 4-1 to Emma Hayes’ side in the group stage, but provided a tougher test in a tense and tactical contest that could have gone either way.

As it was, Smith secured the victory for the USA when the forward bounded onto a lovely pass from Mallory Swanson before lifting the ball over Germany goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger for the decisive goal on 95 minutes.

But it was the US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher who ensured her side a spot in the final against Spain or Brazil in Paris (20:00 UK time) on Saturday when she somehow blocked a point-blank header from substitute Laura Freigang in the dying seconds.

It was a year ago that the USA lost on penalties to Sweden in the last 16 of the World Cup amid much criticism, but the revival at these Olympics under new coach Emma Hayes has been a minor miracle.

The former Chelsea women’s coach has only been in charge of the US national team for eight competitive games yet could deliver the country’s fifth gold medal to go with victories in 1996, 2000, 2008 and 2012.

With a mixture of character and clinical finishing, they are unbeaten at this tournament. Wins over Zambia, Germany and Australia in the group phase, and Japan and Germany in the knockout stage will see them head for Paris on Saturday evening with expectation as much as hope.

Smith will celebrate her 24th birthday on the day of the gold medal match against Spain or Brazil at the Parc des Princes. It could be a memorable evening for the US player, who produced a moment of genuine quality with the solitary goal to secure her country a first crack at gold since the 2012 London Olympics.

USA: Alyssa Naeher 8, Emily Fox 7, Naomi Girma 7, Trinity Rodman 7, Crystal Dunn 7, Mallory Swanson 7, Lindsey Horan 7, Sophia Smith 8, Tierna Davidson 7, Sam Coffey 7, Rose Lavelle 7 Subs: Emily Sonnett 6, Korbin Albert 6, Jenna Nighswonger 6, Lynn Williams 6, Casey Krueger 6

Germany: Ann-Katrin Berger 8, Kathrin Hendrich 7, Marina Hegering 7, Janina Minge 7, Sydney Lohmann 6, Sjoeke Nusken 6, Giulia Gwinn 7, Jule Brand 7, Klara Buhl 7, Felicitas Rauch 6, Nicole Anyomi 6 Subs: Bibiane Schulze Solano 6, Sara Doorsoun 6, Elisa Senß 6, Laura Freigang 7

5′ – AND STILL THE US LOOK FOR OPENER Lovely sweeping move by America leaves Germany a bit short of numbers at the back, but the finish by Lavelle is again straight into the arms of Berger. That was a very decent chance.

62′ – GOLDEN CHANCE FOR USA Swanson picks up the ball from the back to round Berger. Slips the finish at Germany’s goal, but into the side netting. Suspect she might have been offside. What a ball from Girma too.

95′ – GOAL! (SMITH) USA 1-0 GERMANY That is a brilliant goal for the US as Smith bounds onto the pass from Swanson to lift the ball over Berger as she raced from her line. Poor from the keeper, but was an excellent finish. Finally the deadlock is broken.

118′ – LATE FREE-KICK CHANCE FOR GERMANY Just outside the USA box as Smith clips Brand with a late tackle. Buhl with a free-kick that is knocked into the wall. Then chips a cross into the box. Header from Freigang is somehow saved by Naeher. How did that not go in? US so fortunate.

120+1′ – AND THE USA ARE INTO THE FINAL! Smith almost added the second on the break with Berger making the stop, but it didn’t matter in the end. The USA with a 1-0 win after extra-time that was deserved on the night.