U.S. women secure Olympic soccer gold with 1-0 win over Brazil
The Paris 2024 Olympic gold medal is presented to the press, in Paris, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. A hexagonal, polished piece of iron taken from the Eiffel Tower is being embedded in each gold, silver and bronze medal that will be hung around athletes' necks at the July 26-Aug. 11 Paris Games and Paralympics that follow. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
The United States claimed a record-extending fifth Olympic gold medal in women’s soccer after Mallory Swanson earned them a 1-0 win over Brazil in the final at Parc des Princes on Saturday.
Following a goalless first half, Swanson broke the deadlock 12 minutes after the break to earn the U.S. their first Olympic title since London 2012 after a perfect run in the tournament.
U.S. coach Emma Hayes enjoyed almost instant success as she secured the title only two months after taking the job.
“I’m very emotional, it’s a dream of mine to be in this position,” a tearful Hayes told Eurosport. “I have to thank my dad for pushing me to this point, to be able to come and coach an incredible group of players that have received me so well.
“(They have) taken on everything I asked, they are tremendous people, players and role models. I love them.”
Brazil were dangerous in the opening stages and came close to scoring when Gabi Portilho drew a great save from Alyssa Naeher shortly before halftime. Naeher did well again in injury time to claw away Adriana’s header from point-blank range.
Brazil great Marta returned after a two-match ban handed down for a red card, coming on as a substitute after the hour mark, but did not have much impact as Brazil were beaten by the Americans in an Olympic final for the third time.
Germany beat Spain 1-0 to win the bronze medal on Friday.
Reuters
