Los Angeles (United States) (AFP) – Star defender Naomi Girma scored her first two international goals as the Olympic champion United States romped to a 3-0 victory over Argentina in a friendly international football match in Louisville, Kentucky, on Wednesday. The United States dominated in their first match since coach Emma Hayes was named FIFA’s women’s coach of the year at the Ballon d’Or awards on Monday.
Girma, praised by Hayes during the Paris Games as “the best defender I’ve ever seen,” scored her first international goal to put the United States up 1-0 with a close-range header in the 37th minute. Girma took advantage after Rose Lavelle’s free kick toward Lindsey Horan at the far post ended up unclaimed when Argentina keeper Solana Pereyra came off her line and collided with a team-mate.
Argentina found themselves down 2-0 at halftime after an own goal by Aldana Cometti off a USA corner in the 44th minute. Girma headed in another goal in the 49th minute, delivering a superb header from 12 yards out. The United States now have 12 wins with one draw since former Chelsea manager Hayes took the helm in May, a run that included their triumphant Olympic campaign.
Wednesday’s match was the third and final game of a friendly series celebrating the United States’ fifth Olympic title in Paris this year. They defeated Iceland in two earlier matches, both by scores of 3-1. As Hayes gathered her squad for the tour, she said the focus “is forward” toward the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. There, the United States will be looking for a record fifth World Cup title to add to their five Olympic golds.
© 2024 AFP
