The United States Women's National Team punched their ticket to the Olympic final with a 1-0 victory over Germany on Tuesday.

Playing their fifth game in 12 days, the US looked visibly tired throughout the match. Though fatigue may have plagued the squad, Emma Hayes and her coaching staff took the tactical measures to ensure that Stars and Stripes played competent football.

Although regulation was dull and unexciting, the US kicked it up a notch in extra time, with Sophia Smith ultimately getting the game-winner in the 95th minute.

As the United States looks toward the gold medal match, the anticipation of wiping out the nasty taste of their poor showing at the 2023 Women's World Cup will be palpable.

Here are five takeaways from the USWNT's win over Germany.

The Front Three Is Still on Fire

On the USA Network broadcast, commentators Jon Champion and Julie Foudy were discussing a list of nicknames that could be bestowed upon the US front three.

Foudy and Champion eventually settled on something that goes, "La Trois, oh la la," which roughly translates into "The three, that's great!"

Though Americans may choose a less complicated nickname, the impact that Mallory Swanson, Sophia Smith, and Trinity Rodman have made on the USWNT this tournament has been unprecedented.

The trio each has multiple goal contributions throughout the group stage and knock-out rounds. Their precision and ruthlessness in the final third have helped the US book a spot in the gold medal match this Saturday.

There aren't enough words to truly describe what the three have done in France.

Not only have they brought the US back to the forefront of world football, but they're also inspiring millions of young Americans at home, bringing the joy of soccer back to the masses.

If the Stars and Stripes manage to take gold in a few days, they'll have the brilliance of Rodman, Swanson, and Smith to thank.

Mallory Swanson Can Do It All

It's an absolute pleasure to witness Mallory Swanson on the field.

She was crucial in Emma Hayes' tactical switch mid-game. When Rose Lavelle was substituted in the 60th minute, Swanson was tasked with dropping into midfield and pulling the strings just behind the front three.

This personnel change paid off, with Swanson assisting the game-winning goal in the 95th minute.

After suffering an awful knee injury in a friendly against Ireland in April 2023, it was an uphill battle for the 26-year-old to return to full fitness.

Following surgery to repair a torn patella tendon, Swanson subsequently developed an infection which kept her out longer than expected.

"I ended up having an infection in my knee a week-and-a-half later. So basically I got surgery and then had to go back in," Swanson told Fox Sports in a candid interview back in early February 2024.

Since then, Swanson has recovered well and played flawlessly.

The Chicago Red Stars forward has racked up three goals and an assist in five matches at the tournament, helping the US reach the final.

Her journey to get back to the pitch may have been challenging, but many US fans and pundits alike are extraordinarily pleased to Swanson at her best once more.

Running out of Superlatives for Naomi Girma

Though the US front three will take all the talking points, Naomi Girma's excellence can't be stressed enough.

The San Diego Wave defender has been composed, confidently guiding the backline through all difficult defensive situations.

Against Germany, the 24-year-old showed her class once again, cementing her presence with an aerial ability that rivals some of the best center backs in the world.

Furthermore, Girma's ability to adapt to any teammate that plays next to her should be commended. When Tierna Davidson was forced off at half-time due to a slight knee injury, Girma was largely unmoved, able to continue to a constructive partnership with Emily Sonnett to deny Germany any chance at scoring.

The US will need her to keep up the world-class play in the gold medal match.

Late Goals Becoming a Pattern

In the group stage, the US was able to fly by their opponents with ease, playing with an attacking fluidity that kept the neutral watcher glued to the edge of their seats.

However, by the knockout rounds, the opposition caught wind of US tactics and could stymie most of their offensive progression.

Japan and Germany forced the Stars and Stripes into leaving decisive goals until the end, with both nations forcing the US to score late-game winners.

Fatigue has been a huge factor throughout the tournament, which has prevented the US from adhering to the high-tempo tactics that Hayes implemented.

The consequences of tired legs will naturally be a reduction in consistent high pressure. During the initial 90 minutes of the game, the US didn't press nearly as much as they did in previous matches. They preferred to hold their shape and crowd out Germany as they got to the final third.

In extra time, this flipped, with Hayes imploring her players to press high and often. This worked, with Swanson and Smith connecting early in extra time to give the US the lead.

Though they left it late, a win is a win.

Emma Hayes probably wouldn't have it any other way.

Tired Legs Will Be a Concern for an Epic Final

When the Olympics makes its way to Los Angeles in four years, the International Olympic Committee and FIFA must find a way to better accommodate the players.

Exhaustion and tired legs have been a recurring theme throughout the tournament. It's gotten so bad that even NBC commentator Julie Foudy went on a mid-game rant about the conditions.

The United States has just played their fifth game and 12 days. The schedule has been brutal.

Though the players will push through whatever discomfort they may be carrying, it isn't natural nor healthy for top-level athletes to grind past tiredness.

That said, fatigue has impacted the US, and Emma Hayes has not showed an inclination to rotate the squad and give her starters much rest.

But there is just one match to go, and the final will be the culmination of everything they've fought for. Hayes will have the opportunity to start her USWNT career with a bang, and the sadness and frustration of the squad's Round of 16 World Cup exit will melt away if they win gold.

These types of performances were exactly what the US needed to propel itself into this new era.

Brazil will be their final opponent after a shocking 4-2 upset over defending World Cup winners Spain. The victory means Brazil will get Marta back after her two-game suspension earlier in the tournament, and she'll have a chance to end her international career in epic fashion.

Let's see if the US can capitalize on their momentum come the weekend.