Sophia Smith’s extra-time goal sends USWNT to Olympic gold medal match

Sophia Smith celebrates with team mates after her extra-time goal against Germany. Photograph: Silvia Izquierdo/AP” src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1xDM8E3dG7RD61eJy7zbQA–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU3Ng–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/the_guardian_765/a64df4763a87d4b88dcb80b8f8da8534″ data-src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1xDM8E3dG7RD61eJy7zbQA–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU3Ng–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/the_guardian_765/a64df4763a87d4b88dcb80b8f8da8534″/>

Sophia Smith scored in extra time and the United States earned a spot in the gold medal match at the Paris Olympics with a 1-0 victory over Germany in the semi-finals on Tuesday.

The Americans, undefeated in France under new coach Emma Hayes, will be vying for their fifth gold medal in their sixth appearance in the Olympic women’s football final.

The US will play the winner of Tuesday’s later semi-final between Brazil and Spain on Saturday in Paris. Germany will play in the bronze medal match on Friday in Lyon.

Smith broke the scoreless game five minutes into extra time, out maneuvering defender Felicitas Rauch and German goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger.

After netting her third goal of the tournament, Smith fell to the ground in celebration and joined in an embrace with teammate Mallory Swanson.

The US beat Germany 4-1 in the group stage earlier in the tournament.