The United States women’s soccer team clinched their fifth Olympic gold medal on Saturday, August 10, 2024, with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Brazil in the final of the Paris 2024 Olympics. Mallory Swanson, making her 100th appearance for the national team, scored the decisive goal in the 57th minute, propelling the US to their first Olympic gold since the 2012 London Games.The victory marks a triumphant return to form for the US team, which had faced disappointment in last year’s World Cup, where they were eliminated in the round of 16 by Sweden. Under the leadership of new coach Emma Hayes, the team completed an undefeated run through the tournament, showcasing their resilience and adaptability.US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher played a crucial role in preserving the win, making a spectacular one-handed save on a header by Brazil’s Adriana in stoppage time. The save ensured that the US maintained their record of having won the gold medal in women’s soccer at every Olympics since the sport was introduced in Atlanta 1996, with the exception of the 2016 Rio Games.For Brazil and their iconic star Marta, the loss was particularly poignant. Despite being a six-time FIFA Best Female Player award winner, Marta has never secured a World Cup or Olympic gold medal. This tournament, widely believed to be her last major international competition, marks the end of an era in women’s soccer.The final, held at the Parc des Princes in Paris, was attended by a star-studded crowd, including actor Tom Cruise and former US soccer star Megan Rapinoe. The victory cements the US team’s status as a dominant force in women’s soccer and sets a positive tone for their future under Coach Hayes’ leadership.As Emma Hayes succinctly put it after the match, ‘It was a great day’, encapsulating the emotions of a team that has reclaimed its place at the summit of women’s soccer.
Key points
- US women’s soccer team won their fifth Olympic gold medal, defeating Brazil 1-0 in the Paris 2024 Olympics final.
- Mallory Swanson scored the winning goal in her 100th appearance for the national team.
- This victory marks the US team’s first Olympic gold since 2012 and concludes an undefeated run under new coach Emma Hayes.
- The loss was particularly significant for Brazil’s Marta, who ends her international career without an Olympic gold.
Contradictions👾There is a discrepancy in the reported timing of Mallory Swanson’s goal.
Most sources state it was in the 57th minute, but one source reports it as occurring in the 72nd minute.
