'She’s so hilarious and chill!' - Sophia Smith explains why USWNT are a 'different team' under Emma Hayes after progress to Olympics final

The Portland Thorns forward was the hero for the United States women's national team on Tuesday as her 95-minute strike helped the USA edge out Germany 1-0 in the Olympic semi-finals. The Americans now have a chance to bag their record-extending fifth Olympic medal as they take on Brazil in the final.

After guaranteeing her nation a medal, Smith opened up about new USWNT manager Emma Hayes' contribution to their recent success as she claimed that the former Chelsea manager has completely changed the environment of the dressing room.

Speaking to reporters after the semi-final, Smith said: "We’re a different team since she’s come in. She’s so hilarious and chill and funny, and I feel like that’s exactly what we needed. We have the players, we have the talent, we just needed someone to come in and believe in us and put us in the best position to succeed. Emma’s doing exactly that."

After the Olympic final on Saturday, Hayes and her girls will be back in action during the October international break when they take on Iceland in back-to-back friendlies.