Why the USWNT Needs a Big Game out of Hope Solo vs. Germany

The United States women's national team will face its biggest test at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup against Germany in the semifinals on Tuesday in Montreal.

With the world's No. 1 team set to line up across the field from the Yanks, they will have to rely on a part of their team that hasn't been very active over the last few games. 

Goalkeeper Hope Solo will have to prove her worth, just like she did in the first half of the opening Group D game against Australia, if the Yanks want to head back to Vancouver for Sunday's final at BC Place. 

"I was mentally prepared for a tough first half," Solo said, per Martin Rogers of USA Today following the game. "Historically it takes us time to get going. There are going to be jitters. I expected that and I am glad we could weather the storm."

One of the reasons why Solo hasn't made save after save in between the pipes is the tremendous defensive displays put in by the American back four. The centre-back pairing of Becky Sauerbrunn and Julie Johnston has led the Yanks to a scoreless streak of 423 minutes, but relying on them only to stop the German attack is a bit naive. Sports Illustrated's Grant Wahl and FIFA praised the U.S. defence:

On top of the stellar defensive play, the USWNT received a complete midfield performance in the quarterfinal win over China. Thanks to the entrance of Morgan Brian into the starting lineup, the Yanks were able to control the match and sustain long spells of possession, which will be key against Germany. 

Although the USWNT dictated the pace of play, China still found a few pockets of space to challenge Solo. The Chinese attack may not have sent in terrific shots on target, but it still kept Solo active enough. Writer Jonathan Tannenwald quoted Carli Lloyd on the match:

Receiving a small sampling of shots to remain fresh in game action was key for Solo, whose counterpart Nadine Angerer was tested early and often by France before she made the only save of the penalty shootout. 

While it will take a complete team effort to beat the top team in the world, Solo is the player facing the most pressure entering Tuesday because she will be the last line of defense on a few occasions. 

As much as we want to believe the USWNT defense will be sturdy for 90—or possibly 120—minutes, the reality is Germany will eventually find cracks in the back four due to their terrific technical ability. 

In five matches in Canada, Germany have netted 20 goals, 10 of which came in their opener against the Ivory Coast. They also netted four in their final group contest against Thailand and versus Sweden in the round of 16. 

Leading the line is Celia Sasic, who has six goals to her name in the tournament. Her latest strike came from the spot in the 84th minute against France. As expected, Sasic is brimming with confidence at the moment. If she scores on Tuesday, she will become the highest-scoring German woman at a World Cup. ESPN's Paul Carr noted Germany's other top scorers:

In Sasic, Germany have something the United States lack at this stage in the tournament. Although we have seen the likes of Abby Wambach, Alex Morgan and Christen Press score at the World Cup, we haven't witnessed them at their highest talent levels on the biggest stage on a consistent basis. 

In addition to Sasic in the final third, Germany possess midfielders and full-backs who have no problem with advancing further up the field to improve the firepower in attack. One piece Germany might be missing on Tuesday is Dzsenifer Marozsan, who has a hyperextended ankle, according to the Associated Press (via Fox Sports).

Solo's presence in the box will be tested early by crosses from the wing. If she can make the right decisions in regard to coming off her line from the first minute on, she should be able to guide the USWNT defense through rough patches. 

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However, if she bobbles a catch or mishandles a shot early in the match, we could see her waver in confidence a bit. Regardless of her status as one of the top two goalkeepers in the world along with Angerer, we have seen 'keepers make mistakes on the world's biggest stage. Both Japan's Ayumi Kaihori and England's Karen Bardsley have committed errors that have led to goals in the knockout round.

Another way Solo can affect the final result is to start play at the back right after a save. Rarely have we seen the Yanks play out of the back at the World Cup, but they have the talent to do so. With Germany expected to bring numbers forward, Solo could roll the ball out to Brian or Lloyd in midfield in order to spring a counter that relies on the speed of the wingers and forwards. 

Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports

Solo could also continue long balls on goal kicks, but that strategy may be less effective if Wambach begins the match on the bench again. The likes of Morgan and Lloyd are solid in the air, but starting a counter through a perfect header is tougher than playing on the ground at times. 

Given the play of both the USWNT and Germany in Canada to date, we are certain to see Solo involved at some point in the match. How big of a role she plays, whether it be positive or negative, could very well determine the Yanks' fate.

Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90.