USWNT wins gold at the Paris Olympics, marking a triumphant return to the top of women’s soccer for the first time in 12 years.
The U.S. women’s national team achieved a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Brazil, driven by Mallory Swanson’s impressive second-half goal and Alyssa Naeher’s crucial saves. This victory secured the gold medal, the team’s first since the 2012 London Games.
Despite entering the tournament as underdogs, the USWNT has now set a record with five Olympic gold medals, showcasing their resilience and determination.
Emma Hayes, in only her 10th match as head coach, took the reins of the team after a successful tenure at Chelsea. Just over a year ago, the Americans faced disappointment when they were eliminated in the World Cup’s round of 16. With Hayes at the helm, the team embraced a new direction, making bold decisions, including leaving veteran Alex Morgan off the roster.
The match began with a shaky start for the U.S. as Brazil, fresh off defeating the defending World Cup champions, Spain, pressed hard. Naeher quickly showcased her skills with a key save just minutes into the game, while Brazil had a goal disallowed for offside. The USWNT’s front line, dubbed the “Triple Espresso,” struggled to find scoring opportunities, prompting calls for substitutions at halftime.
Throughout the tournament, Hayes maintained a consistent starting lineup, making only a few adjustments in the second half. The players, despite fatigue from six matches in 17 days, demonstrated remarkable grit and determination to secure the win.
Here are key takeaways from the match:
Play of the game
As the clock ticked down with the U.S. leading 1-0 and 10 minutes of stoppage time remaining, Naeher made a stunning save on a close-range header from Brazilian captain Adriana, preserving the victory for the USWNT.
This save was reminiscent of her crucial stop in the semifinal against Germany, highlighting her role as a key player in the tournament.
Turning point
In the 57th minute, Brazil lost possession near midfield, allowing Korbin Albert to quickly seize the opportunity. She delivered a precise through ball to Swanson, who skillfully controlled it and scored, giving the U.S. a vital 1-0 lead.
Sophia Smith, celebrating her 24th birthday, smartly avoided the pass knowing she was offside, allowing Swanson to capitalize and finish the play.
This moment was particularly special for Swanson, as it marked her 100th cap and fourth goal of the tournament. After missing the previous World Cup due to a severe injury, her comeback story has been nothing short of inspiring.
Key stat
This gold medal is a first for every player on the USWNT roster, as none of them were part of the team that celebrated victory at the 2012 London Games.
What’s next for the USWNT?
The team is now ready for a well-deserved break.
After a year filled with highs and lows, from the disappointment of last summer’s World Cup to the joy of Olympic victory, the players can finally take a moment to rest.
Hayes is making significant progress in her vision for the team as they prepare for the next major tournament, the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.
In the meantime, the USWNT has several upcoming matches, including Gold Cups, SheBelieves Cups, and friendly games. This fall, they are set to face Iceland, Argentina, and England at Wembley Stadium on November 30.
