Survive and advance: Winners and losers as Trinity Rodman steals show, subs cause concern, and USWNT reach Olympic semifinals

GOAL examines who shined, who missed out, and what a quarterfinal win over Japan means for USWNT at Olympics

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  WINNER: Trinity Rodman

  Trinity Rodman simply stole the show, as her 104th minute goal sent the USWNT through to the semifinals. Rodman was the only offensive spark for the U.S. side, as the entire regular time was essentially a snooze-fest.

  The U.S. struggled to break through Japan's organized defense, and potential opportunities for goals were poorly executed. The game-changing moment came in extra time, when Rodman handled a ball from Crystal Dunn, cut inside and then shot a far-post stunner for the go-ahead goal.

  That score made Rodman the youngest player to score an extra-time goal for the USWNT since the great Heather O'Reilly at the 2004 Olympics, according to Opta. It was Rodman’s third goal of these Olympics, following scores against Zambia and Australia.

  She has now been directly involved in a goal in all four matches at the Olympics, the longest streak by any USWNT player at a major tournament since Carli Lloyd at the 2015 World Cup, and the longest by any USWNT player at the Olympics since Alex Morgan (6 straight) and Abby Wambach (5 straight) at the 2012 Games in London.

  The goal was the ultimate decider, but Rodman's relentlessness to make things happen up-top was crucial for the U.S. When a team can defend as organized as Japan, every touch and moment on the ball matters, and Rodman took every opportunity she had to strike.

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  LOSER: Emily Fox

  Emily Fox didn't play poorly in the back for the U.S., but a late knock creates a massive question mark for the USWNT's defensive line. Also, given Fox's history with ACL tears and a long journey back to top-form, the concern is increased.

  Fox has been solid for the U.S., dialed in one-vs-one, organized on the weak side, and attack-minded when there's space. Krueger came in for Fox in the 119th minute, and finished out the game for the U.S. side.

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  WINNER: Naomi Girma

  There's really no one more composed than Naomi Girma in the back. Despite missing Tierna Davidson, Girma was as steady and diligent as ever next to Emily Sonnet.

  Between the two center backs, they completed 152 passes. When a defensive line is hard to breakdown, such Japan's compact formation, the center backs have to get comfortable knocking it back and fourth until a gap opens up.

  Girma has been the core of the USWNT this tournament, and her ability to keep the team organized, alleviate pressure and balance out the field is top-class. If there's one person who must hold down the back for the USWNT, despite all of the injuries, it's Girma.

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  LOSER: Jaedyn Shaw

  Cleared to be a part of the 18-person roster on Saturday, there was an expectation that as a result of her inclusion, Jaedyn Shaw would finally take the pitch at these Games. Unexpectedly, though, she wasn't called upon - which only makes one wonder why she was brought into the roster in place of alternate Croix Bethune, someone who could have made an attacking impact on a day in which it was needed.

  At some point, any minutes are good minutes, and heading into the semifinals, Shaw has yet to play this tournament. It's worrisome with such a thin bench and the tired legs of the attacking core on this roster. If she's declared fit for the semifinals, there should be an expectation that she plays, because on her best day, she's beyond influential. The decision not to use her Saturday was baffling.

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  WINNER: Korbin Albert

  Albert got the start in the midfield, making her this game's winner. She eased into the game, but arguably made more of an impact than Horan. The two were figuring out how to break down the Japan defense, but Albert's start showcased Hayes' belief in her. Plus, her banger in the group stage had to count for something.

  Albert was put in just below Smith, looking to be the connector between the midfield and the attack. She got herself in some good moments, and despite not being able to generate much offensively, took care of the ball and played well beneath the attacking three.

  This was Albert's first start for the U.S. at a World Cup or Olympics. And yet she seemed right at home, earning her 16th cap on the day for the USWNT. Perhaps Parc des Princes felt like a familiar atmosphere for the midfielder, who plays for PSG and helped the team win the 2023-2024 French Cup.

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  LOSER: Substitutes

  Winning and advancing is all that truly matters in tournament play. It can be slow, it can be ugly, it can even by controversial - but in the end, winning is winning.

  But Hayes may well be questioned about her substitutions, or lack thereof.

  The USWNT coach failed to rotate her XI against Australia on the final day of the group stage, and on Saturday, went 90 minutes with her starting XI before making her first change. With tired legs certain to be a factor heading into the semifinals, Hayes will have to determine if any of her bench players can be either rotated into the XI, or be trusted to come earlier off the bench to help secure a result.

  Saturday's 120-minute contest only saw three changes, and the third came with one minute to spare as Fox was forced off due to injury. Japan, meanwhile, made six changes throughout the course of the match as they searched for a result. Just how rested can the U.S. be by Tuesday?