USA win fifth Olympic gold as Marta denied final glory with Brazil 🥇 | OneFootball

The United States Women’s won Olympic gold at Paris 2024 following a 1-0 victory over Brazil.

Scorer: Swanson 57′

Two heavyweights in women’s football went head to head at the Parc des Princes, and the United States returned to the top of the Olympic podium—but not without a fight.

Fans were on the edge of their seats in the first half as both sides played fluid and entertaining football. Brazil were the livelier of the two, showing just how far the women’s game has developed as the USA chased the game.

Adriana and Ludmila caused headaches for the American defence and often exploited the right wing with pacey runs calling Alyssa Naeher to make clutch saves. Meanwhile, at the other end, it was Trinity Rodman and Mallory Swanson with some flashy footwork for a somewhat fatigued American side.

Brazil suffered a midfield blow in the second half when Vitoria Yaya was forced off on a stretcher. Their energy levels also dipped, allowing the USA to control the game. The legendary Marta was subsequently brought off the bench, looking to cap her time on the international stage with her first gold medal.

It then took one moment of brilliance for the deadlock to break. Sophia Smith was played through by Korbin Albert, but knowing she was offside, left the ball for a trailing Swanson. The American then rolled home beyond the Brazil goalkeeper from a tight angle.

Led by a theatrical Marta, it was then Brazil’s turn to push forward, and they squeezed everything they had out of their tank. The captain saw a free-kick go just over the bar before Adriana forced a finger-tip save from Naeher in the dying moments.

The 1-0 victory means Emma Hayes won a major trophy with the USA at the first time of asking. It’s now the fifth Olympic gold medal for the Americans.