Did US Women’s Soccer Punch Their Ticket to the Paris Olympic Quarterfinals?

The United States women’s soccer team, under new coach Emma Hayes, advanced to the quarterfinals at the Paris Olympics. This marks their first major tournament with Hayes, who took over in late May.

MARSEILLE, France — Sophia Smith netted two goals to lead the U.S. to a 4-1 victory over Germany on Sunday night. Mallory Swanson and Lynn Williams also contributed to the scoreline.

The U.S. team defeated Zambia 3-0 in their opening match. Hayes aims to overcome the disappointment from last year’s Women’s World Cup, where the team exited in the round of 16.

The Americans have a storied Olympic history, with four gold medals. They claimed the bronze at the Tokyo Games under former coach Vlatko Andonovski, who resigned post-World Cup.

Smith returned to the starting lineup after an ankle injury in the first game. She opened the scoring with a cross from Trinity Rodman, beating German goalkeeper Katrin-Ann Berger within the first ten minutes.

Germany’s Giulia Gwinn equalized with a long-range, low shot in the 22nd minute. However, Swanson regained the lead for the U.S. shortly after a save from Berger, converting a rebound for her third goal of the Olympics.

Smith added her second with a high shot that clipped the far post and went in just before halftime. Williams, a substitute, sealed the victory in the 89th minute as chants of “USA! USA!” echoed through the stadium.

U.S. defender Tierna Davidson was subbed off due to injury and replaced by Emily Sonnett. Germany’s Alexandra Popp left with a right leg injury, adding to the team’s woes already missing midfielder Lena Oberdorf.

The U.S. will face Australia in their final group match, while Germany will play Zambia in Saint-Etienne.

Australia delivered a dramatic 6-5 comeback win over Zambia in Nice, significantly improving their quarterfinal prospects. Michelle Heyman clinched the victory in the 90th minute after Zambia had built a 5-2 lead early in the second half.

Australia’s Steph Catley, who scored twice, praised her team’s resilience. “We knew we could get back into it, we knew we could score more goals,” she said.

Zambia was involved in the highest-scoring game in Olympic women’s soccer history, losing 10-3 to the Netherlands in Tokyo. An own goal sparked Australia’s comeback.

Catley scored twice more before Heyman’s late winner. Australia, which lost 3-0 to Germany previously, will now face the U.S. in their final group game.

In other matches, Japan triumphed 2-1 over Brazil with a stunning stoppage-time goal from Momoko Tanikawa. Spain beat Nigeria 1-0 thanks to a late free kick by Alexia Putellas, securing the top spot in Group C.

Colombia bounced back from an opening loss to France by defeating New Zealand 2-0 in Lyon, putting them level on points with France in Group A.

New Zealand remains ahead of last-place Canada, which faces challenges following a six-point deduction due to a drone spying scandal.