The United States women’s national team have won a record-extending fifth Olympic gold medal, and their first since 2012. A Mallory Swanson goal broke open a tightly wound final with Brazil in the 58th minute in south-west Paris.
Just one year after they were held to four goals in as many games in a bad World Cup campaign, the Americans are back under new coach Emma Hayes. After only nine games in her position, in which her team has not lost, the latter is now the toast of the US soccer team.
“I’m very emotional. It’s been a dream of mine to be in this position,” Hayes said after the match. “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.”
The Olympic champions of the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) now leave the French capital with all smiles.
Brazil, one of two teams that finished third in the group stage, barely made it past the first round. In the second minute, Ludmila tried to score from 10 yards out, but her shot hit Alyssa Naeher.
After a brief period of US possession that resulted in a number of corner kicks, Ludmila got back to work quickly. The forward seemed to have completed wonderfully from an intense point at the quarter-hour mark just to have her goal ruled offside. She then missed partnership with a long cross from Gabi Portilho for a third close miss in the first 18 minutes.
Playing before a raucous crowd that broke into chanting serenades of “U-S-A!” and “Bra-zil!”, the US were thoughtless under lock and key while their full-backs were overwhelmed by a hounded Seleção attack.
Brazil’s attacking diligence appeared to be depleting. Korbin Albert provided Swanson with a perfectly weighted through ball in the 58th minute. Swanson coolly slotted a right-footed shot past Lorena to celebrate her 100th international appearance in style.
Swanson’s fourth goal of the Olympics was a beautiful partnership with Rodman and Smith, who wrapped up with 10 of the team’s 12 goals during their race to gold.
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Brazil manager Arthur Elias introduced on Marta into the game, but her acquaintance didn’t do anything with the aggressive Americans, whose odds were good that approaching in speedier progression.
The six-time Fifa women’s player of the year Marta did everything possible to will Brazil to a first significant title in a half-hour of possession, but it just didn’t end up working.
After Marta’s free kick from a dangerous area curled just over the woodwork in the 88th minute, Brazil had what could have been their final chance. However, Naeher was called right into it on one final event during a horrifying 10-minute stretch of injury time, covering an electrifying competition with a gymnastic save of an Adriana header.
Naeher kept his fourth clean sheet throughout the tournament, including the knockout phase, thanks to the save. By then celebrations among the US fans had already started off in the stands.
300 and 71 days after crashing out of the World Cup on penalties after Megan Rapinoe skyed her kick over the crossbar, the US have capped a dramatic overhaul in sensational fashion.
