They got there behind one of the most prolific runs through group play in the tournament. The USWNT scored nine goals in group matches, the most of any team in the tournament. They beat Zambia 3-0 in the opener before a 4-1 statement win over Germany, a team ahead of them in FIFA's world rankings entering the Olympic Games. They clinched a quarterfinal appearance with a 2-1 win over Australia in the group stage finale.
Though they lead the tournament in scoring, it hasn't been behind one athlete. Mallory Swanson leads the way with three but Olympic debutants Trinity Rodman (two goals), Sophia Smith (two), and Korbin Albert (one) have all found the net. Lynn Williams netted a goal as well against Germany.
Now, it's on to the quarterfinal stage with the best women's teams in the world. Seven of the eight teams are in the top 10 of FIFA's latest rankings: Defending Women's World Cup winner Spain (No. 1), France (No. 2), Germany (No. 4), USWNT (No. 5), Japan (No. 7), Canada (No. 8), and Brazil (No. 9). Colombia (No. 22) is the odd club out and made it in over Australia (No. 12) because of goal differential.
Here's the final standings, quarterfinal schedule, and remaining bracket.
Olympics 2024: Women's soccer Olympic groups for Paris
Group A
Ranking
Team
Record
Points
Qualification
1.
France
2-0-1
6
Knockout stage
2.
Canada
3-0-0
3*
Knockout stage
3.
Colombia
1-0-2
3
Knockout stage
4.
New Zealand
0-0-3
0
Points: three for a win, one for a draw, zero for a loss. *=Canada was docked six points for illegal drone spying at an official training venue.
Group B
Ranking
Team
Record
Points
Qualification
1.
USWNT
3-0-0
9
Knockout stage
2.
Germany
2-0-1
6
Knockout stage
3.
Australia
1-0-2
3
4.
Zambia
0-0-3
0
Points: three for a win, one for a draw, zero for a loss.
Group C
Ranking
Team
Record
Points
Qualification
1.
Spain
3-0-0
9
Knockout stage
2.
Japan
2-0-1
6
Knockout stage
3.
Brazil
1-0-2
3
Knockout stage
4.
Nigeria
0-0-3
0
Points: three for a win, one for a draw, zero for a loss.
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