MARSEILLE, France — The U.S.-Germany women’s soccer match Sunday seemed better suited for the Olympic medal round, not the second day of group play before a small crowd far from the merriment of Paris. Looking away for an instant during an intoxicating first half meant you risked missing something wonderful between teams that have won trophies and admirers for their excellence over decades.
During a 45-minute rush of fun featuring four goals, Sophia Smith showed no ill effects from an ankle injury suffered in the opener, scoring twice before intermission as the Americans stormed to a 4-1 victory and a quarterfinal berth.