The United States women’s national soccer team has regained its status as the leading force in women’s soccer by clinching Olympic gold once again.
On Saturday, the USWNT ended its 12-year wait for an Olympic gold medal, with Mallory Swanson scoring the decisive goal in a thrilling 1-0 victory over Brazil in the women’s soccer final at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Despite the duration of the drought not being considered long by some countries, it was significant for the U.S., which won four out of the first five gold medals since women’s soccer was introduced at the 1996 Games. The success raised expectations, and this year’s team successfully lived up to them. Their victory symbolizes a comeback from recent disappointments, including not medaling at the 2016 Rio Olympics, finishing third at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago, and exiting in the round of 16 during last summer’s World Cup.
With 329 medal events across 32 sports, the Paris Olympics provided a dramatic backdrop. A new head coach, Emma Hayes, led a refreshed team filled with eager young players ready to chase Olympic glory without the usual expectations weighing on them.
The USWNT’s journey culminated in an impressive undefeated run, highlighted by Swanson’s critical goal. She found the net in the 57th minute after receiving a well-placed pass from Korbin Albert within the box.
While Brazil dominated possession in the first half, they struggled to maintain that pressure in the subsequent period. U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher delivered a crucial moment late in the match, making a remarkable one-handed save off a header from Adriana during the fourth minute of added time, all but securing the gold for her team.
In the aftermath of the victory, U.S. stars Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Lindsey Horan celebrated the achievement as the team embraced their fifth Olympic gold medal.
For Brazil, this defeat marked another missed opportunity for an elusive first Olympic gold in women’s soccer, having previously lost to the U.S. in the finals of 2004 and 2008. The match also marked the end of an era for Brazil’s legendary player Marta, the 38-year-old captain who confirmed her retirement from international football will take place at the end of 2024, having played in each of Brazil’s final losses.