The United States Women’s National Team clinched the women’s Olympic football gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, narrowly defeating Brazil 1-0 in a fiercely contested final at the Parc des Princes on Saturday, August 10.
The decisive moment came from Mallory Swanson, who marked her 100th appearance for the USWNT with a match-winning goal that secured the Americans their fifth Olympic gold medal in women’s football.
Swanson’s milestone goal capped a career-defining performance in front of an electrified crowd, which included legendary forward Megan Rapinoe and Hollywood icon Tom Cruise.
For Brazil, the silver medal marks their third runner-up finish in Olympic history, following near misses at the Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 Games.
Despite their valiant efforts, the South Americans once again fell short in an Olympic final against the Americans, a rivalry that has spanned decades.
The bronze medal match, held on Friday, August 9, saw Germany edge out Spain 1-0 in an intense battle of European heavyweights.
Giulia Gwinn’s composed second-half penalty was enough to earn Germany the last spot on the podium, capping off a determined campaign.
In the final, both teams came out with aggressive intent, creating a host of early opportunities.
Brazil’s Ludmila tested U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher just five minutes into the match, but Naeher stood firm.
On the opposite end, Brazil’s Lorena was equally impressive, denying Swanson a clear chance.
Brazil thought they had taken the lead when Ludmila powered a shot past Naeher, only to see the goal disallowed for offside.
Gabi Portilho continued the pressure, unleashing a half-volley from the edge of the box, but Naeher was again up to the challenge, ensuring the first half ended goalless.
The second half saw a more measured approach from both sides, with the U.S. finally breaking the deadlock in the 57th minute.
Midfielder Korbin Albert initiated the decisive play, delivering a perfectly timed pass to Swanson, who coolly slotted the ball past Lorena in a one-on-one situation, bringing the stadium to its feet.
In response, Brazil turned to their legendary playmaker Marta, who was introduced from the bench in an attempt to spark a comeback. The 38-year-old veteran worked tirelessly to create scoring opportunities, but the U.S. defense, marshaled by Naomi Girma, held firm under pressure.
As the clock ticked down, Brazil’s hopes for an equalizer were dashed by another heroic save from Naeher, who preserved the U.S. lead and ensured their place atop the Olympic podium once more.
After the match, U.S. coach Emma Hayes, who took charge of the team just over 70 days ago, was visibly emotional as she spoke to Eurosport.
“I’m very emotional,” she said. “It has been a dream of mine to be in this position.”
Hayes dedicated the victory to her late father, who had inspired her to pursue this new chapter in her coaching career.
“They [USA players] have received me so well and have taken on board everything I have asked [of them], they are tremendous people, players, and role models – I love them,” she added.
Reflecting on the final, Hayes praised the atmosphere in the stadium and the quality of the opposition. “The crowd were tremendous, Brazil were tremendous – I’m just speechless, to be honest, I’m in shock.”
With this triumph, Hayes has not only fulfilled a personal dream but also ushered in what many believe could be the start of a new golden era for the USWNT.
