Everything is clicking perfectly for the USWNT in the ongoing Paris Olympics 2024. A flawless group stage followed by impressive dominance in the quarter-final round has taken the Stars and Stripes to the last four. While everyone on Emma Hayes’ team deserves a pat on the back for their efforts, it’s Sophia Smith who is surprisingly garnering criticism. However, coming to her defense is Brandi Chastain, who praises Smith’s ability to “change a game” like none other than Erling Haaland.

The backing came while giving USA vs Japan post-game reactions on Sam Mewis-hosted ‘The Women’s Game.’ Chastain was questioned to react to Smith being criticized for having fewer touches in the game. Interestingly, the former defender-forward said, “Pep Guardiola gets asked this question a lot about Erling Haaland. He’s a player that doesn’t touch the ball many times and will score two goals in a game so it depends on how you look at it.”

Chastain continued, “He’s a player that obviously can change a game like that [in a click]. Sophia Smith also is a player that can change a game [in a click]. You have to play against what’s being presented.”

The 2x World Cup winner believes that there’s no need to panic over Smith’s lack of touches or often being less involved in the game. However, what the Portland Thorns forward does require Emma Hayes is to find out the ‘places where Smith can play and grow confidence, and then allow her to be herself in the final third getting goals.’

It’s quite surprising to see Smith get criticized for not being involved in the play. While Mallory Swanson and Trinity Rodman are tied with three goals each so far, Sophia has bagged two goals that came together against Germany. Yet, she isn’t alone in getting criticized as a few are displeased over Emma Hayes, forcing another ex-USWNT star to come in support of the English tactician.

Emma Hayes gets support over the lack of rotating Sophia Smith and Co.

Many are of the opinion that the USWNT’s sluggish performance during their narrow win against Japan in the quarterfinals is due to Emma Hayes’s rigid “no substitution” policy. Critics argue that the US players could have had more energy to face Japan if Hayes had rested them against Australia. However, former Team USA stalwart Ali Krieger thinks Hayes is approaching the tournament correctly.

“You want the consistency to be there. You want this momentum to stay. And they’ve been playing really well together. They’ve been gelling right at the correct time,” said Krieger. The former Gotham star supports Hayes’ no-rotation strategy, believing it fosters chemistry among the USWNT players.

Even during the post-match presser, she bluntly explained, “I will not change anything I’m doing. We can’t play football like that. We just have to be prepared and deal with whatever comes with it.”

Opinions and differences are surely there for USWNT, Emma Hayes, and other players like Sophia Smith. Regardless, the important thing remains to see that they are getting the results they need.