The U.S. women’s soccer team has clinched gold once again after defeating Brazil in a highly anticipated final at the Paris Olympics on Saturday.
The match’s only goal came from Mallory Swanson in the 57th minute, marking a significant milestone as it was her 100th appearance for the national team.
Entering the game undefeated, the U.S. faced early pressure from Brazil, who had a promising opportunity when forward Ludmila found herself in front of the goal just two minutes in, but her attempt was easily saved by U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher. Brazil also thought they had scored in the 16th minute, only for the goal to be disallowed due to offside. In stoppage time, Naeher displayed her skill with a remarkable one-handed save on a header from Adriana, securing the victory.
This loss adds to the disappointment for Brazil and its legendary player, Marta. The six-time world player of the year, who announced her retirement following these Games, has yet to achieve glory in a Women’s World Cup or the Olympics. Marta made her Olympic debut 20 years ago at the 2004 Athens Games.
Both teams navigated a competitive field to reach the final, with a total of 12 nations competing in the Paris 2024 Olympics. The U.S. secured their spot by defeating Germany 1-0, thanks to a goal from Sophia Smith during overtime, while Brazil upset the undefeated Spain team with a 4-2 win in their semifinal.
With this latest victory, the U.S. women’s team has extended their record as the most decorated team in Olympic history, now boasting five gold medals. They have previously triumphed over Brazil in Olympic finals in 2004 and 2008. The last time the U.S. team won gold was at the 2012 London Games; Germany took the title in 2016 in Rio, while Canada claimed gold in 2021 in Tokyo.
Among the spectators at the Parc des Princes were Tom Cruise, former U.S. player Megan Rapinoe, and ex-NBA star Sue Bird. This victory marks the third time the U.S. has triumphed over Brazil in an Olympic final, having previously done so in Athens and Beijing.