What’s on the line in Olympic women’s soccer semifinals

Rodman and Smith’s output specifically is reminiscent of Abby Wambach and Alex Morgan’s during the Americans’ 2012 gold-medal run.

The USWNT will try to emulate more of its past success to return to where it’s expected to be: at the top of global soccer.

Germany: Status affirmation 

The 2016 gold medalists have looked to reclaim relevancy in recent major tournaments. 

After failing to qualify for the last Olympics in Tokyo and not getting out of its 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup group, Germany clawed its way back to No. 4 in the world prior to this tournament. 

Germany’s 4-1 loss to the United States in the final group-stage game could’ve snapped the illusion of progress, especially after controversially bumping the Americans to their lowest world ranking ever at No. 5 in June.

The loss of midfielder Lena Oberdorf hasn’t appeared a problem for the Germans defensively. Instead, 33-year-old goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger emerged as the defensive hero in the quarterfinals.

The rematch of the lopsided affair versus the Americans gives Germany the chance to affirm itself as a true top-four team in world soccer.

Brazil: Medal for Marta 

Marta, arguably the greatest women’s soccer player ever, missed Brazil’s quarterfinal matchup versus host France due to a red-card suspension. She’ll also miss the semifinal versus Spain.

Gabi Portilho stepped up in Marta’s absence, scoring the 82nd-minute game-winner Saturday. Brazil’s defense also put forth an incredible effort to secure the shutout with goalkeeper Lorena Leite saving a French first-half penalty kick.

No matter the result on Tuesday, Marta will compete one last time on the international stage for an Olympic medal. As a two-time silver medalist, she’ll hope her side can pull past world No. 1 Spain for a shot at gold.

Spain: Maintaining dominance

Winner of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and world No. 1, Spain was nearly upset by Columbia in the quarterfinals until captain Irene Parades tied the game in the 97th minute.

The Spanish won in penalties and now face Brazil again after defeating them 2-0 in the group stage after Marta’s red card. 

As the consensus top team in the world, Spain has a chance to further assert its dominance with a gold medal and major-tournament cycle sweep. 

Spain remains the toughest out of the tournament. In order for another nation to take the crown, it must come and take it.