Brazil 0-1 USA - Emma Hayes leads USWNT to Olympic glory after Mallory Swanson nets winner in final

The United States women's team can enjoy the taste of Olympic glory once again for the first time since 2012. Mallory Swanson scored the winning goal in the second half as the USWNT won gold for the fifth time. New manager Emma Hayes has made an instant impact after she was brought in following her successful spell at Chelsea. It was heartbreak for Brazil icon Marta in her last Olympics.

Mallory Swanson was the hero as the USA landed their record-extending fifth Olympic gold medal with a 1-0 victory over Brazil in the women’s final.

On the day she earned her 100th international cap, Swanson’s 57th-minute strike settled a closely fought clash at Parc des Princes, while adding to her nation’s previous triumphs at the Games in 1996, 2004, 2008 and 2012.

Brazil were seeking their maiden gold medal in this event and thought they had taken the lead in the 16th minute, though the offside flag denied Ludmila.

Olympic Games Paris 2024

Brazil v USA - Olympic women's football gold medal match as it happened

10/08/2024 at 16:35

Selecao went close again in first-half stoppage time, as Alyssa Naeher produced a superb reflex save to thwart Gabi Portilho.

However, it was the Stars and Stripes that took the lead 12 minutes after the restart. Sophia Smith, in an offside position, stepped out of the way to allow Swanson to spring the trap and latch onto Korbin Albert’s through ball, before calmly slotting past Brazil goalkeeper Lorena.

Brazil legend Marta, who missed the quarter-finals and semi-finals through suspension, was introduced with just under half an hour remaining.

It was not until the fourth minute of stoppage time that Brazil went close to equalising, with Naeher keeping out Adriana’s header to secure the gold medal for the USA.

Talking Point – Five gold medals for flawless USA

With six wins from six matches, nobody can deny Team USA are the worthy winners of their fifth Olympic gold medal.

Brazil were looking to become the first nation to win gold in the women’s football after finishing third in their group, and looked the stronger of the two sides during the first half.

But after absorbing that pressure, the Stars and Stripes took their chance when it came through Swanson.

They then limited their opponents to just one decent opportunity, with Naeher denying Adriana in stoppage time to secure the first triumph of the Emma Hayes era.

Player of the Match – Mallory Swanson (USA)

It was rather fitting that USA’s fifth Olympic gold medal was delivered by the player making her 100th international appearance.

Swanson had been one of the Stars and Stripes’ standout players during a first half generally controlled by Brazil.

However, she made her most vital contribution when it mattered most, calmly slotting past Lorena to seal the victory.

Mallory Swanson #9 of the United States and Marta #10 of Brazil embrace after the Women's Gold Medal match during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Parc des Princes on August 10, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by John Todd/ISI/Getty Images)

Image credit: Getty Images

Player Ratings

Brazil: Lorena 7, Thias 6, Lauren 6, Tarciane 6, Adriana 7, Yaya 6, Sampaio 6, Yasmim 6, Portilho 8, Jheniffer 5, Ludmila 7. Subs: Vitoria 6, Angelina 6, Marta 7, Priscila 6, Rafaelle N/A.

USA: Naeher 8, Fox 8, Girma 7, Davidson 7, Dunn 7, Coffey 7, Albert 8, Horan 7, Rodman 7, Swanson 9*, Smith 8. Subs: Sonnett 7, Williams 6, Krueger N/A.

Match Highlights

16' NO GOAL! Brazil 0-0 USA: Brazil think they have drawn first blood as Ludmila cleverly skips away from a challenge before finishing past Naeher. However, the offside flag is subsequently raised against the forward, who just strayed a fraction too early.

45+2' GREAT SAVE! Brazil 0-0 USA: The Selecao continue to generate the greater attacking threat. Portilho, who has been lively in this first half, meets a low cross at the near post, but Naeher produces a brilliant reflex save to deny her.

57' GOAL! Brazil 0-1 USA: Swanson breaks the deadlock in the gold medal match! Today's centurion springs the offside trap to latch onto a throughball in behind the Brazil defence, before calmly slotting past Lorena.

90+4' GOOD SAVE! Brazil 0-1 USA: Brazil continue to apply the pressure. Adriana peels away to meet a cross at the far post, but Naeher does well to block her header.

Key Stats

Olympic Games Paris 2024

Brazil record statement win over Spain to set up final with USA at Paris 2024

06/08/2024 at 23:09

Champions League

Arteta 'aware of how difficult it is to keep winning' as Arsenal look to extend incredible run

5 hours ago