Our reporter
The U.S. women’s national soccer team clinched the gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Brazil on Saturday.
Mallory Swanson’s decisive goal in the 57th minute secured the United States’ fifth Olympic gold in women’s soccer, their first since 2012.
The final at the Stade de France was a tense affair, with both teams battling to break the deadlock in a scoreless first half. Swanson, playing in her 100th senior appearance for the national team, calmly slotted home the match-winner, leading the U.S. to a triumphant victory.
Her goal marked a significant milestone for a team that entered the tournament with a fresh outlook under new head coach Emma Hayes.
Hayes, who took over the reins in May after leaving her role at Chelsea, has quickly transformed the team. The victory in Paris is a stark contrast to the U.S. team’s disappointing round-of-16 exit at the 2023 World Cup.
Hayes, visibly emotional after the match, credited her late father for inspiring her to reach this career milestone.
“I’m very emotional. It’s been a dream of mine,” Hayes said in an interview with Discovery+ amid the post-match celebrations.
“I have to thank my dad—he’s the one who pushed me to this position, to be able to come and coach an unbelievable group of players.”
Hayes’ father, who she described as a cornerstone of her football career, passed away last year. She wore his necklace, featuring an American eagle, during the match, saying, “He was with me today and that helped.”
The victory caps off a remarkable turnaround for the U.S. team, which has now won more Olympic golds in women’s soccer than any other nation. The gold medal is Hayes’ first major success with the national team, just ten games into her tenure.
“They have received me so well and taken on board everything I’ve asked,” Hayes said of her players. “They’re tremendous people, players, and role models, and I love them.”
For Brazil, the silver medal marked their third runners-up finish in Olympic history, having also fallen just short in 2004 and 2008. Despite a valiant effort, they continue to chase their first gold in women’s soccer.
The U.S. team’s victory not only restores their dominance on the global stage but also signals a new era under Hayes, one driven by resilience, renewal, and a tribute to the memories that drive them forward.
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