Women’s football at the Tokyo Olympics witnessed its biggest shock in the semifinals this week. Entering as a favorite, USA saw themselves lose in the semifinals to Canada by a narrow 1-0 margin. However, many consider an injury to their star goalkeeper, Alyssa Naeher as the turning point of the match.
The 33-year-old suffered a knee injury which forced her off the field after just 20 minutes of play. Ahead of their bronze medal match against Australia, they did not receive the update they hoped for on Naeher’s fitness.
Alyssa Naeher ruled out of USA’s bronze medal match against Australia in the Tokyo Olympics
Many consider Naeher as one of the best goalkeepers to step foot in women’s football. Since she made her international debut in 2014, she stacked several clean sheets in various competitions.
Although USA suffered a shock 3-0 loss to Sweden in their opening match at the Games, they recovered to make the knockout stages. Naeher played a part in their recovery, conceding just three goals in three matches after that defeat. While she started the semifinal against Canada, disaster struck in the 20th minute.
#Soccer
: La gardienne partante américaine Alyssa Naeher est remplacée par Adrianna Franch en raison d’une blessure au genou. C'est 0-0 entre le Canada
et les États-Unis à la 30e minute de jeu.@CanadaSoccerFR #tokyo2020 #rcolympiques pic.twitter.com/RlqaHxjpog
— Radio-Canada Sports (@RC_Sports) August 2, 2021
As a cross came in, Naeher went to collect the ball to dissolve Canada’s attack. However, she landed awkwardly on the ground, which left her in tears. This forced USA to switch her for backup goalkeeper Adrianna Franch, who couldn’t stop Jessie Fleming’s penalty putting USA 1-0 behind in the 74th minute.
While that result sent them to the bronze medal match, the team issued a statement admitting the injury to Naeher’s knee ruled her out of the crucial game.
Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher will not be available for the bronze medal match after suffering a hyperextension of her right knee and a bone contusion in Monday’s semifinal.
Get well soon, @AlyssaNaeher!
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) August 3, 2021
The statement read, “Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher will not be available for the bronze medal match after suffering a hyperextension of her right knee and a bone contusion in Monday’s semifinal.”
READ MORE: Real Madrid’s Asensio Scores A Banger In The 115th Minute To Send Spain Into The Finals
Can USA secure a medal despite Naeher’s absence?
There’s no doubt that Naeher gives USA’s defense a more secure feeling. Hence, her absence in goal during their bronze medal match against Australia will not go unnoticed.
However, the USA still look favorites against Australia. With stars like Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe, the Americans will rely on their star power up front to salvage their tournament with a bronze medal. The bronze medal match will take place on Thursday, August 5 at 5:00pm local time.
WATCH STORY: US Women Football Team’s Dominance at Summer Olympics
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