A pivotal goal by Trinity Rodman in the 105th minute was the decider in the U.S. women’s soccer team’s quarterfinal clash against Japan in the Paris Olympics on Saturday.
The U.S. team, entering their first knockout match undefeated and boasting a 9-2 goal difference in the Paris Games, faced challenges breaking through a resolute Japanese defense. They struggled with uncharacteristic mispasses and missed opportunities.
Rodman’s winning goal, fired to the top of the far post during first extra period stoppage time, resulted in jubilant celebrations as she was surrounded by her teammates. This marked Rodman’s third goal of the tournament, and she came close to scoring again in the second extra period.
Japan had two promising chances in the first half. U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher stopped an attempt by Mina Tanaka, and Miyabi Moriya’s shot from about 12 yards sailed over the goal.
In a matchup between familiar rivals, Japan previously defeated the U.S. in the 2011 Women’s World Cup final. However, the U.S. claimed victory in the 2012 Olympic final, marking their fourth Olympic gold medal. At the Tokyo Games, the U.S. secured bronze after losing to Canada in the semifinals, while Japan was eliminated by Sweden in the quarterfinals.
The U.S. also triumphed over Japan in the 2015 World Cup final in Canada, with Carli Lloyd scoring three goals in the first 16 minutes, leading to a 5-2 victory.
Among the packed crowd at the Parc des Princes were former U.S. women’s national team stars Megan Rapinoe and Mia Hamm, and rapper Snoop Dogg.
The U.S. will face either Germany or Canada in the semifinals. The U.S. previously defeated Germany 4-1 in the group stage.