Goals by Trinity Rodman and Korbin Albert gave the U.S. women's national team a 2-1 victory over Australia in Marseille on Wednesday to secure first place in Group B at the Olympics and set the stage for a quarterfinal against Japan in Paris on Saturday.
The United States came into the match with a place in the knockout stage already confirmed after two impressive victories over Zambia and Germany.
The Americans earned their third win in three games in France after Rodman opened the scoring with a close-range shot off a corner in the 43rd minute. The goal took several minutes to confirm after an apparent technical error between the referee and VAR when reviewing a possible offside call by Sam Coffey.
This was Rodman's second goal at the Olympics, following her strike in the opening match against Zambia. The forward has also scored or assisted in three consecutive matches for the first time in her international career.
The forward trio of Rodman, Sophia Smith and Mallory Swanson have scored seven of the team's nine goals in France.
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Albert appeared to have secured victory for the four-time gold medalists in the 77th minute. Shortly after coming on as a substitute, the midfielder found the net with a spectacular shot from distance, her first goal for the U.S. women's national team.
But after comfortable three-goal wins earlier in the competition, the United States faced a tougher test against Australia, which ensured a nervy final few minutes when Alanna Kennedy pulled one back in second-half stoppage time.
Despite already qualifying, USWNT head coach Emma Hayes decided to make just one change to her starting lineup, with Emily Sonnet replacing Tierna Davidson.
However, the United States suffered a blow as Coffey received her second yellow card of the competition, meaning she will be suspended for the match against Japan.
Australia, who needed a draw to secure passage to the knockout stages, must now hope for favourable results in their final Group A matches later in the day to be able to advance as one of the two best third-placed teams.
The Americans' match against Australia was a rematch of the bronze medal match at the Tokyo Games. The U.S. won 4-3 with goals from Carli Lloyd and Megan Rapinoe, who have since retired.
Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.
