The United States women’s national team is golden again, breaking a 12-year Olympic drought to take the gold medal. In a fast-paced, physical game, the U.S. defeated Brazil 1-0 to earn the Olympic title for the first time since 2012.
After a grueling stretch of five games in 13 days, the USWNT squad started a bit slow, with Brazil setting the pace and looking more dangerous on offense. Still, despite an unsettled-looking U.S. back line, the two teams were scoreless at halftime.
However, the U.S. came out of the locker room renewed. Brazil slowed the pace a bit more, and the USWNT took advantage of mistakes to get better looks on goal. Finally, in the 57th minute, the U.S. struck first with a beautiful finish from Mallory Swanson, off an assist from Korbin Albert. Brazil continued to push until the last minute, but the United States was able to hold the score and avoid extra time and get the win.
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United States defeats Brazil 1-0 to take the Olympic gold medal
Mallory Swanson’s stunning finish in the 57th minute gives the U.S. a 1-0 win over Brazil, winning Olympic gold for the first time since 2012.
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An Olympic gold medal caps off a dream opening run for Emma Hayes
The USWNT have started the Emma Hayes era with a stellar run. Since Hayes officially joined the squad as head coach in May, the U.S. has earned nine wins and one draw, including the first Olympic gold medal since 2012.
There are still things to work on, certainly, but it’s delight to see after some of the struggles of the past few years. And a major title the year after falling early in the World Cup adds some confidence to this team. The Hayes era is here, and it’s just getting started.
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The USWNT gets love from USA Basketball — who are chasing golds of their own
The USWNT’s gold medal drew attention from some big names in the sports world — even a few that are going for gold themselves. LeBron James congratulated the team on its win…just a few hours before he and the U.S. men’s basketball team take on France in their own gold medal match.
The U.S. also got a shoutout from A’ja Wilson, who competes with Team USA tomorrow for an eighth straight gold.
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Alex Morgan, who was passed over for this Olympic squad, cheers on her teammates’ win
Morgan was not selected for this Olympic roster, but was still cheering on her teammates at home. She gave them a shoutout before the win and gave another to Alyssa Naeher after one of her massive saves.
Alyssa Naeher you are out of this world!
— Alex Morgan (@alexmorgan13) August 10, 2024
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Watch the moment the USWNT became Olympic champions
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Marta will have to settle for silver…again
With that game, Marta’s international career has likely come to an end, at least in terms of major tournaments. Marta now earns her third silver after earning two Olympics silver medals in 2004 and 2008; though she holds many individual accolades, she will finish without a major international title.
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And that’s the game! It’s the Gold Cup all over again, as the U.S. takes a 1-0 win over Brazil for a major title.
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Brazil pushes forward again, but a handball on Marta saves the U.S. from an additional threat.
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Casey Krueger comes in for Malloy Swanson, with Hayes opting to shore up the defense for the final minutes.
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Another great save from Naeher, as Brazil restarts quickly after the brief pause.
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Lindsey Horan goes down after her head collides with Rafaelle’s shoulder. Some members of the crowd aren’t happy with the delay, but Horan is now surrounded by the medical team, who are testing her for a potential concussion. Horan is sitting up and eventually gets to a stand. She goes off the field briefly but does not appear to need a sub.
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Phew! Two very very close calls from Brazil, with Sonnett getting the ball out first and then Naeher getting a huge save. Naeher is having another outstanding game.
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Another Brazilian shot is broken up by Girma, but Brazil gets it right back in. Sonnett clears this time, and on the third Brazilian shot, Naeher is able to grab it. The USWNT defense is holding up well, but Brazil is coming harder on offense now.
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Ten minutes of extra time. That gold is within the United States’ reach now.
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Another save by Naeher, who gets her hands on Adriana’s shot and holds it to the ground.
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Sam Coffey just trips Adriana and Brazil gets a very dangerous free kick outside the box, but Marta’s kick sails over the goal. Not what she was hoping for, but the U.S. gets out of that one unscathed.
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A dangerous opportunity from Brazil is broken up by Sonnett, who intercepts Marta’s cross into the center. Brazil is trying to amp up the pressure in the final minutes, but the U.S. has realigned on defense.
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Oustanding work from Crystal Dunn, who boxes out a Brazilian to get the ball out of bounds for a goal kick and avoid another corner.
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Hayes makes her next substitution, replacing Sophia Smith — the birthday girl — with Lynn Williams. Brazil uses its final substitution as well, replacing Lauren with Rafaelle.
