Good news, bad news for USWNT: Sophia Smith available, but injured Jaedyn Shaw remains out for Olympic match vs. Germany

In the wake of a sensational 3-0 victory over Zambia to open the Paris Olympics, the U.S. women’s national team faced a glass half-full scenario: while the team thrived in the attack, it was forced to do so much of game without a pair of injured stars in Sophia Smith and Jaedyn Shaw.

And while Emma Hayes’ squad won’t completely refill the lineup for Sunday’s group stage match against Germany, the team did get some good news: Smith will be available for the game. According to the Athletic, Smith was in cleats and with the team for Saturday’s training, after exiting early from the win over Zambia, with Hayes saying, “She’s fine.”

The news is not as encouraging on the Shaw front, however. While she trained individually, she will miss her second straight Olympics match with a leg injury. Hayes confirmed that midfielder Croix Bethune will remain a part of the 18-player game day roster in her place.

Just before kickoff of the Zambia match, the U.S.announced that Shaw would not participate. Then, in the 43rd minute, Smith limped off to be replaced by Lynn Williams. Hayes said after the match that she was simply being cautious in removing Smith after she hurt an ankle.

Like the USWNT, Germany also began the Olympics with a 3-0 victory, defeating Australia in its opener. Per the Athletic, the tactical-minded Hayes understands that the German side - fourth in the FIFA women's world rankings, one spot ahead of the USWNT - poses a much different matchup than Zambia, saying “Germany, in terms of how they set up - especially the dead ball moments - they’re very aggressive. Our short build will be difficult.

“So finding the right spaces, the timing of finding the right spaces, getting those things right, that’s what we’re focused on in the classroom and today’s training. But (we) don’t have much time to rehearse, so you just have to get the right details across without an overload. So that’s my big thing: don’t overwhelm.”

The USWNT, who have not claimed an Olympic gold medal since the 2012 Games in London, face Germany Sunday in Marseille. They will remain at Stade Velodrome for a meeting with Australia on July 31.