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The U.S., eyeing their first title at the Games
since 2012, will face the winners of the second semi between
Spain and Brazil later on Tuesday in the decider at Parc des
Princes on Saturday.
In a match low on quality in front of goal, Smith scored five
minutes into extra time to earn the U.S., playing a record
seventh Olympic semi-final, victory over 2016 champions Germany,
whom they had already beaten 4-1 in the group stage.
Smith chipped the ball over the on-rushing German keeper Ann-Katrin
Berger after a through ball from Mallory Swanson.
"I just saw an open net in front of me and knew I had to step up
in the big moment," Smith told NBC. "I felt I had to do that for
this team, we've been working so hard.
"We had a hard year last year, things didn't go how we wanted it
to at all. We knew we were better than that, we have so much
potential," the striker added referring to their last-16 World
Cup exit.
"We have one more game, and it's the most important game. But
I'm so proud of us for just finding a way these past few games
to get the win."
Germany dominated possession after the break in extra time but
lacked clear-cut chances to equalize, and will play for the
bronze medal in Lyon again on Friday.
(Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in ParisEditing by Toby Davis) [© 2024 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
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