Hayes’ USA beat Japan to reach Olympic semi-finals

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.

They will face Canada or Germany in the semi-finals on Tuesday.

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.