Trinity Rodman scored in extra time as Emma Hayes’ United States beat Japan in the women’s football quarter-finals at Paris 2024.
After a goalless 90 minutes in a game lacking quality at Parc des Princes, Rodman struck a sublime curling effort into the top-left corner just before half-time of extra time.
The USA last won Olympic gold at London 2012 and are bidding for a fifth Olympic title under new manager Hayes, who is coaching the team at her first major tournament since being appointed in May.
The USA have long been a dominant force in international women’s football but have dropped off in recent years, suffering their worst performance at a Women’s World Cup in 2023 as they were knocked out by Sweden in the last 16.
Former Chelsea boss Hayes steered the Blues to 13 major trophies in her 11 years in charge before arriving in the USA, faced with the challenge of turning those fortunes around.
Hayes cut a frustrated figure on the touchline at times on Saturday, standing with her hands on her hips or arms folded, throwing her head back at each disappointing missed chance by her side.
Chances were few and far between but Sophia Smith twice went close while Mallory Swanson could not get her rising shot to dip below the bar, before Rodman’s late goal sparked jubilation from Hayes and a crowd packed with USA fans.
Germany goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger scored the decisive spot-kick in a penalty shootout to send her side into the Olympic women’s football semi-finals on Saturday.
After a goalless quarter-final with defending champions Canada, the former Chelsea stopper saved two penalties before calmly scoring her spot-kick to give Germany a 4-2 win in the shootout.
Germany will face the United States in the last four on Tuesday (17:00 BST).
Elsewhere, France’s campaign ended in heartbreak after Brazil striker Gabi Portilho poked home an 82nd-minute winner to help the South American champions to a 1-0 win.
The victory potentially extended the international career of Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer Marta.
The two-time Olympic silver medallist was suspended for the last-eight match in Nantes after being sent off in Brazil’s final group match.
The 38-year-old will retire from international football this year. The length of her suspension is still to be disclosed.
Brazil will face Spain in their semi-final on Tuesday (20:00 BST) after the world champions edged Colombia 4-2 on penalties following a 2-2 draw.
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