The United States ended a 12-year-long drought in women's football after bringing home the gold medal in Paris 2024.
After two consecutive poor Olympic performances, the United States is back on top in Paris 2024, bagging its fifth Olympic gold in women’s football.
A lone goal by forward Mallory Swanson put Team USA on top once more for a close 1-0 victory over Brazil at the Parc des Princes on Sunday, August 11 (Philippine time).
Swanson’s goal came in the 60th minute after she smartly went for the through ball, which was initially intended for Sofia Smith.
Smith decided not to touch the ball as she was offside and it was Swanson who calmly pounced for the finish.
Brazil had several chances to level the score and force extra time, especially with 10 minutes of stoppage time.
The best chance came in the 93rd minute after a cross by Marta to Adriana, who’s header was brilliantly saved by keeper Alyssa Naeher.
The revamped American backline, under new coach Emma Hayes, made sure to end their Paris 2024 campaign without conceding a goal during the knockout stages of the tournament.
Brazil will end up with its third silver medal in the Olympics, having yet to win gold in the tournament.