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.Under the leadership of new coach Emma Hayes, the team completed an undefeated run through the tournament, showcasing their resilience and adaptability. Hayes expressed her emotions after the victory, saying, ‘My feelings are overwhelming, it’s a dream to be in this position. The players executed everything I asked of them, they’re incredible on a personal and professional level, and a role model for many. I love them.’ US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher played a crucial role in preserving the win, making spectacular saves throughout the match. Notably, Naeher set a new benchmark by becoming the first goalkeeper in women’s soccer history to have clean sheets in both World Cup and Olympic finals.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, her sixth Olympics, marked the end of her illustrious international career. ‘We surpassed ourselves throughout the competition to get to the final. That was our main objective, to come away with a medal,’ Marta said after the match.The victory cements the US team’s status as a dominant force in women’s soccer, with players expressing their joy and growth. As Mallory Swanson put it, ‘We’ve grown on and off the field, and you keep probably hearing this – we’re playing with joy.’ The team’s performance in Paris sets a positive tone for their future under Coach Hayes’ leadership, blending veteran experience with emerging talent.
Key points
- US Women’s Soccer Team won their fifth Olympic gold medal, defeating Brazil 1-0 in the Paris 2024 final.
- Mallory Swanson scored the winning goal in her 100th appearance for the national team.
- Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher became the first in women’s soccer history to have clean sheets in both World Cup and Olympic finals.
- The tournament marked the end of Brazilian legend Marta’s international career.
Contradictionsđź‘ľThere are slight discrepancies in the reported timing of Mallory Swanson’s goal, with some sources stating it was in the 57th minute, while others report it was in the 12th minute of the second half.
