'Best defender I've ever seen' – Emma Hayes praises 'unbelievable' Naomi Girma as USWNT reach Olympics final

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.