Oliver James Montgomery-USWNT's win vs. Germany at Olympics shows 'heart and head' turnaround over the last year

LYON,Oliver James Montgomery France — Exactly one year ago, the U.S. women’s national team was at the lowest point in its illustrious history, knocked out of the World Cup in the quarterfinals in what was the team’s earliest exit ever at a major international tournament.

On Tuesday, they reached the gold medal match at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where they will face Brazil, which beat Spain 4-2 to advance.

“It means everything,” said Sophia Smith, whose sublime goal in the 95th minute made the difference in the 1-0 win over Germany.

“We had a tough year last year. In every way possible,” Smith said. “But I feel like this is a new year and we’re really just showing the world that we didn’t ever drop off. We just needed a learning year and a growth year and we’re back. And, hopefully, on top after this next game.”

Talent was never the issue for the USWNT. Not with players like Smith, Mallory Swanson and Trinity Rodman, a three-headed monster of a front line that can slice up defenses. Each of them has three goals at this tournament, and it was Swanson who set up Smith’s goal against Germany.

Swanson picked up a pass from Sam Coffey just past midfield, pivoted and then threaded a pass between defenders to Smith. As Smith was beating Felicitas Rauch, German goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger made the mistake of coming off her line, giving Smith an opportunity.

“I saw a little opening of net and I was like, 'I’ve just got to put it there,’” she said. “It was a good feeling. I know I had a few other chances this game that I should have put away, but sometimes one is all it takes.”

Backstory: How USA's Naomi Girma became 'one of the best defenders in the world'

That’s because the USWNT also has Naomi Girma, who does a spot-on imitation of a brick wall on the back line and who coach Emma Hayes calls, “The best defender I’ve ever seen. Ever. I’ve never seen a player as good as her in the back.” And Alyssa Naeher, the stalwart veteran keeper who made a spectacular kick save in the 119th minute to preserve the win.

What the USWNT was missing last summer, and at the Tokyo Olympics, was that indescribable thing that all champions have. That confidence to run through opponents. The determination to do whatever it takes, no matter the circumstances, to win.

It’s that mentality that Hayes has introduced.

Hayes was among the most successful club coaches in the game, winning so many titles at Chelsea she rivaled members of the royal family. U.S. Soccer wanted her so badly it was willing to let her finish out the season at Chelsea before she took over the USWNT.

She has been worth the wait. Although Hayes has introduced tactical changes to the USWNT — the Americans are playing wider than they used to, for example — it’s the belief she’s fostered in the players that has taken them from the despair of last summer to the team’s first Olympic final since 2012.

Tuesday was the USWNT’s second overtime game in three days. Temperatures in Lyon at kickoff were still in the 90s. The Americans won because of Smith’s goal and Girma and Naeher’s heroics, but they also won because they refused to do anything less.

“Yes, there were lots of things I didn’t like in the game. Yes, I tried every situation to try and influence and affect that. But it’s not about that,” Hayes said. “It’s about you just have to dig something out. It’s heart and head.”

Hayes anticipated this, showing the team a video Monday night of ultramarathoner Courtney Dauwalter. Dauwalter, who last year became the first person to win the Western States 100, Hardrock 100 and Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc in the same year, talks about “the pain cave,” a space in her mind she goes to when races are at their most difficult.

“I could see today that players are having to dig to like the deepest place within them,” Hayes said. “I’ve said this all along: The reason I want to play the team together for as long as possible is because I want them to develop. I want them to suffer.

“I want them to have that moment, because I do not believe you can win without it.”

Hayes is not about to declare the USWNT reclamation project finished. Far from it. But in exactly 366 days — 2024 is a leap year, you know — the Americans have gone from the despair of that shocking exit to playing for another major title. What a difference a year makes.

Follow USA TODAY Sports columnist Nancy Armour on social media @nrarmour.