The United States Women's National Team advanced to the Olympic semi-final with a 1-0 win against Japan.

Though the Stars and Stripes glided through the group stage, their first real test came from the Japanese.

The typical fluidity seen from the US was absent, with Japan lining up in a low block that needed to be broken down.

Instead of the high-tempo attacking football the US has shown throughout the tournament, Emma Hayes' squad was forced to be patient and pick their chances.

Unfortunately, those chances didn't come until late in extra time, when Trinity Rodman unleashed a rocket into the back of the net to put the US ahead.

It isn't always easy at the Olympics, especially against Japan. However, as the US moves on to the semi-final, many questions will need to be answered if they want to go for gold again.

Here are five takeaways from the USWNT's match versus Japan.

Hayes Passes 1st Real Test ... Barely

Emma Hayes is exactly what the USWNT needed to breathe life back into the program.

After a disappointing Round of 16 exit at the Women's World Cup in 2022, the Stars and Stripes desperately needed a revamp.

Hayes is a highly decorated manager who won 16 trophies in 12 years at Chelsea FC.

It's only fitting that a coach as experienced as Hayes would be the 'chosen one' to bring the US back into the forefront of world football.

The match against Japan did have its hitches, however. The lack of rotation was a detriment to the team, with players looking worn out and drained. Another criticism that can be leveled at Hayes is the slow substitutions.

Ultimately, Hayes and the coaching staff got away with one. Japan posed a serious threat, and the outcome could've ended poorly for the US with better finishing from the Japanese.

US Struggles With Low Block and Makes for Rough Watch

One thing the US has yet to solve fully is breaking through a team that sets up in a low block.

While it's comforting to watch the United States dominate possession, it's also quite worrying that they're unable to break through squads that play a compact defense.

The US was fortunate to get by Japan thanks to Trinity Rodman, but as they fight for gold, other nations will take notes on how to defend the Stars and Stripes.

Like the match against Australia, Japan set up well, blocking every obvious passing lane and nullifying the speed of the US front attacking trio.

An unstoppable force meets an unmovable object unfortunately makes for boring Olympic football.

Nevertheless, the US came through with Rodman scoring what is, arguably, the goal of the tournament.

But, as the United States moves into the semi-final, let's hope the free-flowing soccer that they displayed in the group stage can make a return.

Rodman's Moment of Magic

Webster's dictionary needs to come up with more adjectives to accurately describe the impact and swagger Trinity Rodman has brought to this US team.

The 22-year-old has been outstanding in the tournament, scoring three goals in four matches to lead the US into the semi-finals.

Although Rodman wasn't marauding down the right flanks like she normally does, the forward influenced the game in other ways. Yes, she scored the match-winner, but Rodman's defensive contributions were underrated.

Japan was set up in a low block and offensively hit the US on the counter. With Naomi Girma and Emily Sonnett in the back, it was largely a non-issue. Still, Japan's technical skills and neat passing patterns kept the US off balance. Late runs into the box were a big worry, requiring the defensive effort from the front three, specifically Rodman.

The forward did that and then some, leaving her heart on the pitch while doing so. If the United States wants to challenge for a gold medal, Rodman must continue to play like she has all tournament.

Girma is a Rock in Defense

Naomi Girma is in incredible form.

The 24-year-old showed, once again, just how crucial she is to the US back line. Girma's poise and grace on the ball are hypnotic, rarely misplacing a pass when the Stars and Stripes begin their offensive build-up through the defense.

Not only is Girma integral to the United States attacking build-out, but her defensive presence is world-class, never one to shy away from a risky tackle or duel. Her aerial ability makes it difficult for the opposition attack to get into a rhythm, and her recovery speed is as quick as any central defender seen in the tournament.

With Tierna Davidson's injury status up in the air, and Emily Sonnett stepping in as a late replacement, Girma has remained unflappable, never flinching at whatever the opponent throws at her.

Fatigue is Going to Be An Issue in the Semis

Although manager Emma Hayes wants to keep her squad selection consistent, the lack of rotation during the team's final group match against Australia will come back to haunt the squad.

The United States has played four games in nine days during this Olympic run.

Against Japan, it showed.

Tired legs were visible and cramps were hitting almost every player by the time the game ended.

It seemed as if the entire team was impacted, starting with the front three.

The lack of explosiveness from the trio was evident, with Mallory Swanson, Trinity Rodman, and Sophia Smith looking slow and sluggish off the dribble.

Misplaced passes were rampant, with Lindsey Horan not looking like her usual dynamic self.

With Japan sitting in a compact low block, the US found it hard to play through the flanks with speed. That produced a domino effect, where the United States carried most of the possession, but lacked a punch in the final third.

Luckily, Hayes and her coaching staff managed to get a result without feeling the true consequences of a lack of rotation. Unfortunately, the semi-finals won't be too kind to the US if their opponents have fresher legs.