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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

Sunday’s clash against Germany would be the biggest test the USWNT will take in the group stage of the Olympic soccer tournament in Paris. When the US ousted Zambia 3-0 in its opener, the Germans did the same damage to Australia, beating them 3-0. Emma Hayes’ squad will cruise into the Olympic knockouts if they beat Germany. But the American side will find it difficult to dominate the Germans, as they have key star players Sophia Smith on their injury list. 

Anyhow, Team USA’s ten-game unbeaten run and nine-game winning streak put them at an advantage against Martina Voss-Tecklenburg’s squad. But the latter are the better goal-scorers, finding the net at least three times in their last seven games. Hence, indeed, a powerhouse clash is awaiting us in Stade Velodrome on Sunday. So, let’s dive deeper into team news, predicted lineups, and more, as Hayes and Co. lace up for their second Olympic group game.

USWNT vs Germany: team news and injury updates

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Team USA

Midfielder Croix Bethune, who was snubbed alongside Alex Morgan from the USWNT’s Olympic roster, returned to the squad, as Jaedyn Shaw picked up an injury. Bethune could join the US squad because a new Olympic rule allowed teams to bring in alternate players to their roster provided they informed the officials six hours prior. While Shaw’s injury enabled Bethune to feature in the Paris Summer Games, Emma Hayes is still awaiting an update on the former’s injury recovery. Likewise, there’s no update as of yet regarding Sophia Smith, who injured her ankle before halftime during the Zambia tie.

Germany

Germany’s power rankings at the Olympic tournament rose through the roof after they battered Australia 3-0 on the opening day. The Germans opened their Olympic campaign with a positive update, as Giulia Gwinn returned from an ACL injury. Yet, the European side is heavily missing the services of their ace midfielder Lena Oberdorf this Olympics. Oberdorf picked a terrible knee injury before the Summer Games during a Germany-Austria Euro qualifiers game.

via Reuters

USWNT vs Germany: expected lineups

Team USA expected starting XI

 Naeher; Fox, Girma, Davidson, Nighswonger; Lavelle, Horan, Coffey; Rodman, Williams, Swanson

Germany expected starting XI

Berger; Gwinn, Hendrich, Hegering, Linder; Brand, Minge, Nusken, Buehl; Schuller, Popp

Head-to-head stats

America and Germany’s WNTs have squared off 36 times previously. The US side has won an impressive 23 out of these 36 games. Germany, on the other hand, won just five of them. The two sides last met in a 2022 friendly, which the USWNT won 2-1.

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USWNT vs Germany- Predictions

Germany truly is a force to reckon with for Emma Hayes and Co. But considering the US has historically dominated the Germans on the international stage and has a better win streak, we expect Hayes and co. to have the last laugh. Besides, Team USA’s frontline, comprising Mallory Swanson and Trinity Rodman started off in style. Swanson scored a brace and Rodman tallied one goal, as she scored the US’ opener against Zambia. So we predict the USWNT to win 2-1 against Germany.

How to watch Team USA’s second group game?

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The US-Germany game kicks off at 3 PM ET at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille. Fans can watch the match live on USA and Telemundo TV channels. They can also stream the game live on Peacock.

Sound off your predictions for this headline group game in the comments below.