MARSEILLE, France — Trinity Rodman and Korbin Albert both scored and the United States remained undefeated at the Olympics with a 2-1 victory over Australia on Wednesday to conclude the group stage.
The Americans, who already qualified for the quarterfinals, will play Japan on Saturday at Parc des Princes in Paris. Australia had to wait until the day’s matches were over to learn if it advanced.
The United States is the winningest team at the Olympics, with four gold medals in women’s soccer. They’re playing under new coach Emma Hayes.
The front trio of Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Mallory Swanson have scored seven of the team’s nine goals in France.
Crystal Dunn had a well-struck attempt from distance in the 38th minute but Australia goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold pushed it up and over the next. Moments later, Arnold stopped Lindsey Horan’s header from close range.
Rodman broke through in the 43rd minute when she poked in the ball in a scramble in front of the net. Video review stretched on for several minutes and Australia coach Tony Gustavsson was given a yellow card in the confusion.
Albert, who was subbed into the game during the second half, added a goal in the 77th.
U.S. midfielder Sam Coffey got a second yellow card in the fourth minute, meaning she won’t be available for Saturday’s quarterfinal.
The Americans’ game against Australia was a rematch of the bronze medal match at the Tokyo Games. The United States won 4-3 on goals from Carli Lloyd and Megan Rapinoe, who have both since retired.
The Matildas peppered U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher in a scramble as time wound down and Alanna Kennedy helped Australia avoid the shutout with a goal a minute into stoppage time.
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