By ANNE M. PETERSON
LYON, France — Sophia Smith scored in overtime and the United States clinched a spot in the gold medal game at the Paris Olympics with a 1-0 victory over Germany 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 women’s Olympic soccer final.
The U.S. will play the winner of Tuesday’s later game between Brazil and Spain on Saturday in Paris. Germany will play the bronze medal match on Friday in Lyon.
Smith broke the scoreless deadlock five minutes into extra time, out maneuvering defender Felicitas Rauch and German goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger.
After scoring her third goal of the tournament, Smith fell to the ground in celebration and joined in an embrace with teammate Mallory Swanson.
The USA had defeated Germany 4-1 in the group stage earlier in the tournament.