The U.S. women’s soccer team has claimed gold once again by defeating Brazil in a highly anticipated final match at the Paris Olympics on Saturday.
Mallory Swanson, playing in her 100th match for the national team, scored the decisive goal in the 57th minute, securing victory over their long-time rivals.
Despite facing stiff competition, the U.S. team entered the match unbeaten, while Brazil created several early opportunities. Brazilian forward Ludmila had a clear chance just two minutes into the match but her shot was easily saved by goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher. Though Brazil seemed to score in the 16th minute, the goal was disallowed for offside.
In the dying moments of the match, Naeher made a remarkable one-handed save on Adriana’s header, ensuring the U.S. victory.
This loss marks a continued disappointment for Brazil and its legendary player, Marta. The six-time world player of the year, who plans to retire after this year’s Games, has yet to win a Women’s World Cup or Olympic gold. Marta made her Olympic debut two decades ago at the 2004 Athens Games.
Both teams navigated a challenging path to reach the final, with twelve nations qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympics. The U.S. and Brazil advanced by defeating Germany and Spain, respectively, in the semifinals earlier in the week. The U.S. won their semifinal 1-0, thanks to a goal from Sophia Smith during overtime, assisted by Swanson.
“I’m so proud of us for finding a way in these last few games to get the win,” said Smith, who will celebrate her 24th birthday on the day of the gold medal match.
Brazil faced a tough semifinal challenge against Spain, but they pulled off an impressive 4-2 victory against the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup champions.
With this latest triumph, the U.S. women’s team has now achieved an unprecedented five Olympic gold medals, further solidifying their status as the most successful team in Olympic history. The Americans previously defeated Brazil in Olympic finals in 2004 and 2008, with their last gold medal win occurring in London in 2012.
Germany claimed the gold in the 2016 Rio Games, while Canada won in Tokyo in 2021.
Among the prominent figures in attendance at Parc des Princes were actor Tom Cruise, former U.S. star Megan Rapinoe, and former NBA player Sue Bird.
This victory marks the third time the U.S. has overcome Brazil in an Olympic final, with previous wins in 2004 in Athens and 2008 in Beijing.