Team USA Narrowly Beats Brazil to Claim Olympic Women’s Football Gold

In Saturday's tournament final at the Paris Games, the United States women's soccer team earned their fifth Olympic gold medal by defeating Brazil 1-0, thanks to an early second-half goal by Mallory Swanson.

In their maiden international campaign under new coach Emma Hayes, the Americans claimed the championship after an unbeaten run. The last time they won gold was at the 2012 London Olympics.

In the last moments of the match at Parc des Princes, goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher kept the victory alive by making a spectacular one-handed save on Adriana's header. Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA" played in the stadium as the final whistle blew, and the American players celebrated.

This is another devastating setback for Brazil and its legendary player, Marta. The six-time player of the year has never won an Olympic gold medal or the Women's World Cup. She may not compete in another big international competition after this one.

The US has now beaten Brazil in three consecutive Olympic finals. The 2004 Athens Olympics and the 2008 Beijing Olympics were both won by the United States over Brazil.

Regarding Olympic competitions, Brazil has never done better than second place.

"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 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, players, and role models. Oh, I adore them.

The United States was content with bronze three years ago in Tokyo. However, it lost in the quarterfinals of the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

In her 100th appearance for the US national team, Swanson scored in the 57th minute.

Megan Rapinoe, a former American soccer star, and Tom Cruise were among those in attendance.

In 1996, the United States won gold in the first Olympic women's soccer event at the Atlanta Games.

Brazil advanced to the knockout round as one of only two teams to finish third in their group at the French tournament.

It was Marta's sixth Olympics, and she was competing. At the tender age of eighteen, she competed in her first, which she won in silver. She was suspended for two games for a harsh foul on Olga Carmona of Spain in their last group play. Therefore, she didn't start the match.

Although Hayes was selected as US coach in November, she joined the group in May. That allowed her to conclude the season by coaching Chelsea to their sixth consecutive Women's Super League victory.

Following an unprecedented early elimination from last summer's Women's World Cup, Hayes was tasked with reviving the United States national squad. Despite her brief tenure with the team, the youthful American squad, especially the forwards Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman, and Swanson, benefited from her ability to cultivate synergy.

The trio have scored 10 of the 12 US goals in France.

Brazil dominated in the early stages. Just two minutes into the game, Ludmila found herself unopposed in the penalty area, but her attempt flew high and right into Naeher's hands.

It seemed like Ludmila scored in the 16th minute from the top left corner, but she was offside.

In the 25th minute, Swanson broke free along the left flank, but Lorena, the Brazilian goalie, made a simple save of her effort.

As time ran down in the first half, Naeher made a diving save off Gabi Portilho's shot to keep the score tied.

Early in the second half, Brazilian midfielder Vitoria Yaya was replaced due to an injury.

Following Swanson's goal, the United States maintained its threat level. In the 66th minute, Smith had a breakaway opportunity to score, but her shot missed the target.

Following a foul by Tarciane on Smith just outside the penalty area in the 82nd minute, Lindsey Horan had a free kick that she slammed into the wall.

Hayes started Korbin Albert instead of Rose Lavelle, a single lineup alteration in the final. At an average age of 26.7, the United States roster was the second-youngest to begin a gold medal match. In the 1996 final, the average age of the squad was 25.8.

In Lyon, the United States beat Germany 1-0 in overtime to advance to the final. Smith scored the only goal.

Brazil beat Spain, the defending winners of the Women's World Cup, 4-2 in a thrilling match to secure their position.

Germany claimed third place after defeating Spain 1-0 in Friday's match in Lyon.

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