USWNT boss Emma Hayes lauded San Diego Wave defender Naomi Girma's efforts as the team reached the final of Olympic games.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Hayes hailed Girma as 'best defender'
• USWNT beat Germany to reach Olympic final
• Will take on Brazil for the ultimate prize on Saturday

• Table of Contents

  Toggle

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The United States women's national team edged out Germany 1-0 on Tuesday to reach the final of the Olympic games. Portland Thorns' star forward Sophia Smith scored the all-important goal in extra time to secure a medal for her side.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Amid the attackers getting all the credit, and rightly so, for helping the team reach the final, manager Hayes heaped praise on centre-back Girma, who has played a stellar role in keeping her side unbeaten in the competition thus far. The USWNT has conceded only two goals in the five matches they have played.

• WHAT EMMA HAYES SAID

  Speaking to reporters at her post-match press conference, the former Chelsea boss said: "Look, she's the best defender I've ever seen. I've never seen a player as good as her at the back. She's got everything, poise, composure, she can defend, she anticipates, she leads. [She's] unbelievable."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• (C)Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR USWNT?

  Hayes' side will now aim to bag their record-extending fifth Olympic gold medal as they take on Brazil on Saturday in the final at Parc des Princes in Paris.

Tags: Futebol
Category: News