USWNT Prepares for Semifinal Clash Against Germany
LYON, France — The U.S. women’s national soccer team is bracing itself for the intense semifinal match against Germany on Tuesday, a game that promises to be a thrilling rematch after their previous encounter in this tournament. Despite the physical toll of the competition, the team has been diligently training. Head coach Emma Hayes expressed optimism during a training session in Lyon but refrained from disclosing specific details regarding player availability.
“It’s a great sign,” Hayes remarked, highlighting the team’s commitment to preparation. She emphasized that facing the same opponent in close succession does not guarantee a similar outcome. “Even if you play the same opponent a week apart, they’re always two very, very different games,” she stated. “Our shot conversion was high in the first game. This is a tight match-up, but one we’ll prepare for a little bit today. We’ve been doing stuff yesterday, too, so we’ll be ready.”
Hayes acknowledged that the U.S. is competing against teams that have had longer periods of cohesion under their respective head coaches, which allows them to operate more seamlessly on the field. “I’m having to accelerate everything, hence the reason why I don’t make many changes,” she explained, defending her strategy of minimal rotation.
As for Germany, Hayes noted that they have tapped into their traditional “German DNA” under head coach Horst Hrubesch. “They are very direct, incredibly effective in transition, and they know how to remain competitive throughout a match,” she said.
Germany’s path to the semifinals was not easy; they required both extra time and a penalty shootout to overcome Canada in the quarterfinals, with goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger emerging as a hero by saving two penalties and subsequently converting the decisive kick herself.
The health of the USWNT is of paramount concern as well. Defender Tierna Davidson faced a setback after a collision with German defender Jule Brand during their initial meeting, leading to her replacement by Emily Sonnett in the 44th minute. Hayes indicated that Davidson was dealing with a knee contusion at that time.
In their last match against Japan, which extended to 120 minutes, the U.S. displayed resilience. Trinity Rodman scored the crucial winning goal in the 104th minute, but the physical demands took a toll, with players like Emily Fox, Korbin Albert, and Rodman herself requiring assistance from trainers during extra time. Fox had to exit the match after sustaining an injury in the 121st minute, with Casey Krueger stepping in. Fortunately, all three players appeared to be moving well during Monday’s warm-ups, although Davidson was again seen wearing a full-leg sleeve on her right leg.
Players have openly acknowledged the challenge of fatigue throughout the tournament, yet they anticipated this reality. “Being fatigued is inevitable,” Rodman shared on Monday afternoon. “At this stage of the tournament, it becomes a question of who is stronger mentally. Physically, you might not feel up to it, but it’s the mental aspect that you must rely on. Last game was a mental exercise of pushing ourselves as hard as we can, both physically and emotionally.”
Rodman expects the semifinal to require similar mental fortitude. The team will lean on their support staff and recovery tools, but they also recognize the importance of mental sharpness as they aim to advance once again. Her critical goal in extra time underscores that any member of the USWNT’s front line can emerge as a game-changer under Hayes’ guidance.
Midfielder Sam Coffey, who has returned from a yellow card suspension just in time for the semifinals, was asked to characterize the team’s forward line. “They’re like the big three, but they’re all Michael Jordan,” she quipped, praising their extraordinary talent and the exceptional chemistry they share on the field.
However, Coffey also highlighted that the chemistry is evolving across the entire starting XI. Hayes’ strategy of sticking with a core group of players, making minimal changes unless absolutely necessary, has fostered growth. “There’s certainly a challenge with fatigue, but it’s been remarkable that we’ve been able to keep building throughout the tournament,” she noted. “We’re learning a lot about each other, what it means to play together, and how to function as a cohesive unit. I believe this momentum will only continue as we head into tomorrow’s match.”
(Top photo: John Todd/ISI/Getty Images)
