US Women’s Triumph Over Brazil to Claim Olympic Soccer Gold in Paris

The game was the last chance for Brazilian great Marta to earn a medal, as she announced she would retire from international play after the Paris Games.

PARIS, France — The U.S. women’s soccer team clinched Olympic gold once more, securing a 1-0 victory over Brazil in Saturday’s final.

This marks a triumphant return for the Americans, who have now won gold in five of their six Olympic final appearances under the leadership of new coach Emma Hayes.

Previously, the U.S. Women’s National Team faced setbacks in the last two Olympic contests, falling in the quarterfinals in Rio 2016 and only managing bronze in Tokyo.

The match initially showed a slow pace, with neither team scoring in the first half. However, just shy of the 57th minute, Mallory Swanson’s decisive kick put the U.S. ahead, creating a steep climb for Brazil.

The game extended to 102 minutes, adding 12 minutes of extra time. These final minutes were fraught with tension as Brazil dominated ball control but failed to secure a goal.

Despite Brazil’s vigorous attempts, Team USA’s defense held strong, concluding the match with a clean sheet.

This defeat marked a bittersweet conclusion for Marta, who aimed for one last medal in her sixth and final Olympics with the Brazilian national team.

Historically, the U.S. and Brazil have met twice in Olympic gold-medal matches, with the U.S. emerging victorious both in Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008.