Women’s Paris Olympic Games 2024 football final~ Brazil 0–1 USA.
 |
The United States women’s national team has secured a record-extending fifth Olympic gold medal, their first since 2012. Mallory Swanson’s goal in the 58th minute broke open a tightly contested final against Brazil on a sun-drenched afternoon in southwestern Paris.
Just over a year after a disappointing World Cup performance that cast doubt on their dominance in women’s football, the Americans have reclaimed their top spot under new coach Emma Hayes. Hayes, who has yet to see her team trail in her nine games at the helm, has become a celebrated figure in US soccer.
“I’m very emotional. It’s been a dream of mine to be in this position,” Hayes said post-match. “I have to thank my dad for pushing me to this point and for the opportunity to coach this incredible group of players who have embraced everything I’ve asked of them. They are fantastic people, players, and role models. I love them.”
The journey to gold was not always smooth for the Americans. Despite being favorites, they struggled for nearly an hour and needed extra time to advance through the quarter-finals and semi-finals. Yet, they left Paris as deserving champions, thanks to the dynamic attack of Swanson, Trinity Rodman, and Sophia Smith—known as Triple Espresso—and a solid defense led by center-back Naomi Girma, who emerged as a standout performer.
Brazil, despite being the underdogs, came out aggressively and had early chances. Ludmila’s efforts in the second minute and a disallowed goal shortly after highlighted Brazil’s intent. The US, playing in front of an enthusiastic crowd that alternated chants of “U-S-A!” and “Bra-zil!,” struggled with possession and defensive pressure. However, the breakthrough came in the 58th minute when Korbin Albert, the only change from the semi-final, delivered a perfect pass to Swanson, who scored with a right-footed shot on her 100th international appearance. Swanson’s goal, her fourth of the Olympics, underscored her successful partnership with Rodman and Smith, who together netted 10 of the team’s 12 goals on their way to gold.
Brazil manager Arthur Elias brought on Marta in a bid to turn the game, but the US continued to dominate. Marta’s free kick in the 88th minute narrowly missed, and Alyssa Naeher’s acrobatic save from an Adriana header during injury time ensured her fourth clean sheet of the tournament. The save preserved the victory and sparked celebrations among US fans.
Less than a year after a penalty shootout exit from the World Cup, the US has completed a dramatic turnaround. The team celebrated their triumph while Megan Rapinoe, who had missed a crucial penalty in the World Cup, cheered from the stands.
