The United States Women's National Team has clinched the top spot in Group B with a 2-1 win over Australia.

The Stars and Stripes were mostly flawless through the group stage and found ways to win, even if not at their best.

Not only are they winning, but manager Emma Hayes has them playing a brand of football that has once again excited fans and pundits alike, even after the US' poor showing at the Women's World Cup last year.

Though finishing first in the group may be great for American egos, the true nature of the tournament is about to roar its head in the knockout rounds.

The US will face Japan in the quarter-finals, which will surely be a difficult test. In their current form, the USWNT looks unbeatable, particularly with center-back Naomi Girma anchoring the back line.

But, it's the Olympics where emotions run high, and belief is palpable. Every country will be at its best, and the US must rise to the challenge.

Before the tension of the knockout stage approaches, here are five takeaways from the USWNT's group-stage campaign.

USWNT Finds Different Ways of Winning

The US did not play the most stylish football against Australia, but they still managed to win by grinding out a result.

Once again, Trinity Rodman ended up on the scoresheet, netting her second goal in three matches, with Korbin Albert sealing all three points with a rocket in the 77th minute.

The team's first goal didn't come from the run of play but from a set piece. This versatility shows that the squad can indeed score in several ways.

Yes, the US can burn any opponent with speed and precision in the final third, but against Australia, the Stars and Stripes showed they can 'play dirty' and emerge victorious.

The matches against Zambia and Germany were unfathomably easy in attack, but Hayes' squad showed another level in their final group-stage match. The collective effort, team camaraderie, and hustle are the attributes a team needs if they're looking to win gold at the Olympics.

Trinity Rodman is Always a Threat

Trinity Rodman is an irreplaceable player for the US.

The Washington Spirit forward showed her quality once more, holding down the right flank in attack.

In what is almost becoming a redundant observation, Rodman, alongside Mallory Swanson and Sophia Smith, makes up an offensive trident that will be crucial for Emma Hayes as they prepare for the quarter-finals.

Rodman's pace, technical ability, and fluidity on the front line make it a nightmare for her to defend. Adding to her knack for scoring and assisting, the 22-year-old's star has shone even brighter in Marseille.

Though she was largely held quiet against Australia besides her goal, Rodman will be ready to go when the US takes on Japan in the next round.

Strong Lineup vs. Australia May Cost Hayes and USWNT

Sam Coffey will miss the quarter-finals due to yellow-card accumulation.

In what was, perhaps, the first small misstep of the Hayes era, the ex-Chelsea boss could have put out a rotated side, especially since the Stars and Stripes already qualified for the knockout rounds.

Unfortunately, because of the lack of rotation, Coffey's presence will be missed in the quarter-finals.

Coffey's ball progression, positional awareness, and boundless energy provided the US midfield with a metronome-like energy that will be tough to replicate.

It's now up to Hayes and her coaching staff to figure out who will slot in for the absent Portland Thorns midfielder.

One option could be Emily Sonnett.

Sonnett has already shown her ability to step in when necessary. When first-choice defender Tierna Davidson got injured during the game against Germany, Sonnett smoothly filled in and performed well alongside Naomi Girma in the defense. Sonnett is also versatile positionally and can play as a defensive midfielder.

Another option for Hayes' coaching staff to consider is Crystal Dunn. Dunn has the experience and tactical awareness to play in almost any position on the field. This was evident in her NWSL title-winning run with the North Carolina Courage in 2018, where she played as an attacking midfielder. Dunn would be a trustworthy choice for the midfield, allowing Jenna Nighswonger to start at the left-back position instead.

Lindsey Horan or Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Korbin Albert could also be considered as an option in defensive midfield.

Alyssa Naeher Deserves Some Love

Although most of the headlines will focus on the US attack, goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher quietly put up solid performances in the group stage.

Naeher's command of her penalty area and her clear communication skills were vital, especially considering the young age of the US squad.

While the defensive pair Naomi Girma and Emily Sonnett performed well, it was Naeher's last-minute heroics that prevented Australia from equalizing and helped the US keep their perfect record in the group stage.

Furthermore, her leadership and experience undeniably helped calm the squad down in the dying minutes of the match.

Naeher will once again be called upon when the US faces Japan. Her knowledge will be important as the Stars and Stripes look to maintain more clean sheets.

Japan Provides Another Stern Test

As the US progresses deeper into the tournament, expect the matches to get much more difficult.

The Stars and Stripes will once again face off against Japan in an international tournament with the expectation of another tough test.

Though the US sailed through the group stage largely untested, the Japanese will bring a different style of play that the United States has yet to truly face at the Olympics.

Japan is 7th in the world according to FIFA rankings and has shown its quality in France, finishing second in Group C, three points behind group winners Spain. Japan's two wins came from clinical victories against a solid Brazil team and Nigeria.

Japan will look to stymie the US in defense, likely lining up in a compact 5-3-2. The US will have experience playing against a low block, with their match against Australia giving the squad plenty of practice.