How the USWNT can advance even if they lose to Australia

The United States’ opening 3-0 loss to Sweden has complicated the team’s Olympic journey, but all hope is not lost.

With the squad’s 6-1 bounce-back win over New Zealand on Saturday, the U.S. is now in a solid position heading into their final Group G match against Australia.

The USWNT moved up to second in the group standings on a two-point goal differential after racking up a series of late-game goals against New Zealand.

Alex Morgan fires one in to bring it up to 5️⃣!@TeamUSA x @USWNT x @alexmorgan13

🇺🇸 5 - 1 🇳🇿 | #TokyoOlympics pic.twitter.com/mCDRXnTmVE

— #TokyoOlympics (@NBCOlympics) July 24, 2021

Sweden currently sits atop Group G with six points, while Australia trails the United States with a minus-one goal differential. New Zealand rounds out the group with zero points, having yet to win a match at the Tokyo Games.

The United States now only needs a draw in their game against Australia to advance out of the group stage. A loss may even allow the USWNT to advance, as the U.S. currently leads among potential third-place teams.

The USWNT will face off against Australia on Tuesday at 4 a.m. ET.