USWNT player ratings vs Germany: Emma Hayes’ attack, led by Sophia Smith, dominates at 2024 Paris Olympics

The U.S. women’s national team destroyed Germany 4-1 on Sunday in the Olympic women’s soccer tournament group stage to punch their ticket to the quarterfinals. It was just the second group game for Emma Hayes’ crew, but their perfect record means their final group game against Australia will be just to see if they can win the group.

How did everyone perform in the match? Take a look at our player ratings:

Goalkeepers

Had a solid kick save to keep things scoreless in the early opening minutes. Guessed correctly on Germany’s opening goal but couldn’t make the diving save on the shot from a distance, but came up big again just after the hour mark. Rating: 7.5

Defenders

Put in a massive shift to help lock down Germany’s Jule Brand. Was connective down the flank with Trinity Rodman and Rose Lavelle. Rating: 7.5

A shaky start in the early minutes of the game but quickly recovered. Came up with key tackles to close the first half and had full vision. Rating: 8

A nervy moment in the opening minutes of the game but recovered to provide solid coverage alongside Girma. Took some knee-to-knee contact and was subbed out before halftime. Rating: 7

Was reliable in coverage and proactive in getting involved in the attack, and got a shot off in the opening half. A solid block on  a cross late in the game and did a good job drifting when needed. Was pushed up on the forward line in stoppage time and helped close the game out. Rating: 7.5

Midfielders

Needed some time to catch up to defensive recognition in the opening half and earned an unnecessary yellow. Needed the second half to settle a bit. Rating: 6.5

Didn’t have a great start with a poor back pass that led to Germany’s chance and kick save by Naeher, and struggled with some turnovers. Eventually grew into the game but was more part of the collective effort versus some of the individual brilliance we saw against Zambia. Rating: 7

Was the best midfielder for the group in the first half with solid movement on and off the ball. Had good combinations with teammates and covered lots of ground — even if it was for other midfielders sharing the space with her. Rating: 8

Forwards

The Germans have few solutions to contain Rodman. She was nearly everywhere on the pitch and earned multiple fouls. Facilitated play constantly, on the opening goal and delivered the assist, and she was involved in creating the fourth goal. Rating: 8.5

Had an outrageous opening half with two goals, her first of the tournament, and made them look easy. An open look and the other a shot from a distance that tipped in over the keeper. Rating: 9

Was relentless on and off the ball. Made good decisions on the pitch and was wise in positioning when she continued her run for a goal. She delivered the late-game assist on the fourth goal. Rating: 8.5

Substitutions 

Subbed into the game late for Sophia Smith and wasted no time in getting in good position for the fourth goal. Rating: 7.5

Slotted in at center back for an injured Davidson and was effective immediately. Aided in shutting down German attacks and got a look on goal. Rating: 7

Came on in stoppage time, not enough time for impact.  Rating: N/A

A stoppage time sub, not enough time to do much. Rating: N/A

Head coach

Emma Hayes: The USWNT manager was far more conservative in her substitution windows, only utilizing one in the first half for injury purposes. It was a good decision that paid off as the ideal starting lineup grew more and more into the game with large stretches of momentum in their favor. Rating: 8