The United States Women’s soccer team won its fifth Olympic gold medal by beating Brazil 1-0 on Mallory Swanson’s early second-half goal in the tournament final Saturday at the Paris Games.
The Americans, who hadn’t won gold since the 2012 London Olympics, closed out an undefeated run to the title in their first international campaign under new coach Emma Hayes.
Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher preserved the win with a one-handed save on Adriana’s header in stoppage time at Parc des Princes. At the final whistle, the U.S. players celebrated as Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.” played in the stadium.
AS IT HAPPENED: Brazil vs USA, Women’s soccer gold medal match highlights
The loss is more heartbreak for Brazil and its iconic star, Marta. The six-time world player of the year has never won a Women’s World Cup or an Olympics. This is expected to be her last major international tournament.
It was the third victory for the United States over Brazil in an Olympic final. The Americans also beat the Brazilians in the 2004 in Athens and four years later in Beijing.
Brazil has never finished better than runner-up at the Olympics.
“I’m very emotional. It’s been a dream of mine to be in this position,” said Hayes, a London native. “I have to thank my dad because he’s the one who pushed me to this point to be able to come and coach an unbelievable group of players that have received me so well and taken on board everything I have asked. They are tremendous people and players and role models. Yeah, I love them.”
Hayes, coach of the United States celebrates with players after winning gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics. | Photo Credit: REUTERS
Three years ago in Tokyo, the U.S. settled for the bronze medal. The Americans were knocked out in the quarterfinals at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games.
Swanson’s 57th-minute goal came in her 100th appearance with the United States.
The U.S. also won gold in 1996 at the Atlanta Games in the first women’s soccer tournament at the Olympics.
Brazil finished third in its group in France, earning one of two third-place spots in the knockout round.
ALSO READ: Brazil vs USA: Marta, a legend of women’s football, retires with a silver at Paris 2024 Olympics
Marta was playing in her six Olympics. Her first was in 2004 — when she was just 18 — which ended with a silver. But she started the match on the bench after a two-game suspension for a hard foul on Spain’s Olga Carmona in the team’s final group match.
Hayes was named coach of the U.S. back in November but she didn’t join the team until May so she could finish out the season with Chelsea — guiding the Women’s Super League squad to its fifth straight title.
Hayes was tasked with turning around a U.S. team that crashed out of last summer’s Women’s World Cup earlier than ever before. Despite her short time with the Americans, she quickly fostered chemistry within the young squad, particularly between forwards Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman and Swanson.
The trio has scored 10 of the 12 U.S. goals in France, including Swanson’s historic strike at the French capital.
Mallory Swanson of the United States celebrates scoring against Brazil in the gold medal match at the Paris 2024 Olympics. | Photo Credit: REUTERS
Brazil had the best chances early. Ludmila was alone in front of the goal in the second minute but her shot went straight into Naeher’s arms.
Ludmila appeared to score in the upper far corner in the 16th minute but was denied by the off-side flag. But since that chance, Naeher’s brilliant presence between the sticks ensured a commanding victory for the Americans.
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