Yahoo Sports 2024 Olympics: USA advance with clean sweep as Australia sent home
Australia and the USA completed their 2024 Olympics group stage campaign on a sunny Wednesday evening at the Stade Orange Velodrome in Marseille.
Emma Hayes’ USA made it a clean sweep to top their group with maximum points and sail straight into the quarter-finals. Australia fought hard to find a comeback but their 2-1 defeat ultimately sees them out of the tournament, with Brazil and Colombia progressing as the best third-placed teams.
Starting XI’s
Australia
Arnold; Torpey, Gorry, Catley, Cooney-Cross, Foord, Fowler, Carpenter, Kennedy, Hunt, Raso
USA
Naeher; Fox, Girma, Rodman, Dunn, Swanson, Horan, Smith, Sonnett, Lavelle, Coffey
How it went
Like their previous matches, it was a lively start from the USA. Almost the entirety of the first 10 minutes was played in Australia’s half, with them struggling to get a hold of the ball. The USWNT had the first chance on target when Trinity Rodman found herself in space and forced a good save out of Mackenzie Arnold. An early booking for Sam Coffey means she will miss the quarter-finals due to suspension.
The intensity from the US soon cooled off, perhaps due to the blistering heat. However, Australia managed to muster up their first attack in the 25th minute. A series of passes presented the chance for Mary Fowler to unleash, however, she dragged the effort wide.
The deadlock was broken moments before half-time. Rose Lavelle delivered a corner which the Matildas failed to clear and Rodman tapped home. There was long VAR review, bur the decision stood and Rodman was awarded her second goal of the tournament.
USA pile pressure on Australia
The start of the second half followed the pattern of the first. The USA were in control, dictating the play and keeping Australia at arms’ length.
In fact, the Americans had a great chance to double their lead just moments after the restart. Lavelle was sent through on goal. Rather than taking the shot on herself, she opted to try and find Sophia Smith more centrally, allowing Ellie Carpenter to come across and clear well.
Australia needed a spark, but a Torpey cross from deep that floated out of play and a blocked Hayley Raso shot were all they could muster with 15 minutes played. Tony Gustavsson turned to his bench, calling upon Emily van Egmond and Michelle Heyman. The Canberra United veteran had rescued her country on Sunday. However, this was an altogether more difficult assignment.
Despite the Matildas’ efforts, it was Hayes’ side who doubled their lead with 13 minutes to go. Korbin Albert scored from 20 yards out to leave the Australians with a mountain to climb.
It might have gotten worse for the Matildas with nine minutes left, barring a huge slice of fortune. A shot from Smith was deflected onto her own near post by Kennedy. The ball rolled agonisingly along the line, hitting the other post before Mackenzie Arnold gratefully pounced to smother with Lynn Williams waiting to tap home.
Australia fight but to no avail
As the clock ticked down, Australia threw caution to the wind. They cashed in their ‘Kennedy as an emergency striker’ voucher and won a late corner. Fowler’s set piece was recycled back to her. Her second attempt found Catley who only managed to flick the ball behind with her back to goal.
Into seven minutes’ stoppage time and Australia had their lifeline. Caitlin Foord whipped in a ball towards Heyman who climbed above Jenna Nighswonger to nod the ball into the path of Kennedy. With a composure belying her usual position, she slotted the ball between Alyssa Naeher’s legs to reduce the arrears.
The comeback was nearly complete almost from kick-off and Kennedy might’ve etched her name into Matildas’ folklore. Unfortunately, she could only head Carpenter’s inviting cross wide with Naeher bearing down on her.
Knockout stages
Australia were made to endure the agonising wait to see if they had qualified for the next round as one of the best third-placed teams. Unfortunately, Brazil and Colombia have snatched the last two places in the quarter-finals, ending the Matildas’ run in Paris.
The US will be looking to add another gold medal to their tally but they must overcome Japan in the quarter-finals.
