USWNT vs. Brazil highlights: USA wins Olympic gold for first time in 12 years (2024)

PARIS – The United States women’s national soccer team entered the 2024 Paris Olympics with a new coach and a retooled roster. Its track record at the biggest recent international tournaments had been underwhelming. Question marks abounded.

The Americans’ rebuttal? A gold medal.

The U.S. defeated Brazil 1-0 on Saturday to stand back on top of the Olympic podium for the first time in 12 years. Mallory Swanson, part of head coach Emma Hayes’ new front three along with Sophia Smith and Trinity Rodman, scored the game-winner in the 57th minute. Korbin Albert, inserted by Hayes into the starting lineup for the final, set her up with a timely through ball.

"I've always had belief. I've said before, winning is in my DNA," Hayes said after the game. "... They've impressed me immensely, these players."

Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher’s one-handed save on a header by Adriana in the fourth minute of stoppage time saved the day. And she was unflappable all match.

2024 Olympic medals: Who is leading the medal count? Follow along as we track the medals for every sport.

USWNT vs. Brazil highlights: USA wins Olympic gold for first time in 12 years (1)

Brazil came out as the aggressor and the U.S. relied on Naeher to quell the attack. The final stat sheet said she made four saves. It felt like 14, and every one was huge – none more than her stop in stoppage time of the first half on Gabi Portihlo kept the match scoreless.Defender Naomi Girma continued to be something of a brick wall on the backline.

Although the first half ended with them on their heels, the Americans flipped the script early in the second. They fended off Brazil’s desperation the rest of the way and when the referee blew the final whistle, arms went up, hugs were given, and the celebration was on for the Olympic champions.

"I think this group really just came together from the beginning of our pregame to know, we’ve grown so much," Swanson said after. "That’s really cool to me, seeing that on and off the field. I think most importantly, you’re probably hearing it, we’re playing with joy. We’re having so much fun. I’m just so happy."

"I didn’t think I was gonna cry," Rodman said, "But, oh my gosh, that was the hardest, most exhausting experience of my life, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I think honestly, my legs were crying more than my eyes, but it was so amazing. To be able to hug all my teammates, I’m so happy for Mal. Her alone made me cry to see what she’s been through to be here. I was emotional for others as well as myself, but it was just everything. I’m so happy."

U.S. players dogpiled each other as "Born in the USA" played, followed by "Livin' on a Prayer" and "Surfin' USA." The Americans then shook hands with the Brazilians and circled up near midfield, where Naeher and Hayes, whose sense of humor and demanding style has already built trust with the team, spoke to them.

"It’s a dream come true and the best feeling ever," Smith said. "A relief."

Emma Hayes sends message with Olympic gold medal

Emma Hayes may not call herself a miracle worker, but it’s hard to think of a better description.

Bywinning the Olympic gold medal Saturday– its fifth, for those keeping track – the U.S. women’s national team sent a message to the rest of the world that last summer’s World Cup debacle, and the sluggishness at the Tokyo Games, were aberrations. There is still work to be done, to quote one of Hayes’ favorite mantras, but they are very much back on the right track.

And Hayes has officially been on the job for just three months. Give her another three years, which is when the next World Cup is, and the USWNT is likely again to be the standard by which the rest of the world is measured.

What Mallory Swanson, Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith said after winning Olympic gold

Trinity Rodman: "I think joy and belief’s the two biggest words for us. We’ve been having so much fun. But I think we still push each other really hard. I think there’s a misconception of, oh they laugh and dance all the time in training, they’re not serious, but we just proved to everyone that we are and we take this very serious."

Mallory Swanson: "I don’t think I’ve processed it yet. It’ll probably hit in a couple days when I’m on my flight back home what happened. I’m just so thankful that I was able to do it with this group."

Sophia Smith: "It’s a dream come true and the best feeling ever. A relief."

Mallory Swanson goal vs. Brazil

Welcome to the Summer of Mal. Mallory Swanson gave the U.S. a 1-0 lead in the 57th minute on a signature run down the left side. Korbin Albert, starting in place of Rose Lavelle, delivered the through ball for either Sophia Smith or Swanson. Smith would have likely been ruled offside if she touched it. But Swanson swooped in and made a beeline for the net, and her right-footed blast beat Brazil’s keeper Lorena to break the scoreless tie.

Alyssa Naeher saves vs. Brazil

US women's soccer Olympic gold medals

If it's an Olympics, you can find the U.S. women's national team on the medals podium. The Americans have won five golds at the Olympics (1996, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2024), more than any other team, and also have a silver from Sydney in 2000 and a bronze from Tokyo.Do the math, and that means the USWNT has won a medal at every Olympics except 2016.Oh, and another fun fact? Three of the USWNT's golds have come after playing Brazil in the final in both 2004 and 2008.

USWNT Olympic wins

The USWNT is 33-7-4 all-time at the Olympics, including four gold medals, won in 1996, 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2024.

Emma Hayes calls Naomi Girma the best defender she's ever seen

Emma Hayes paid Naomi Girma the ultimate compliment. Girma, the reigning U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year, is widely recognized as one of the best centerbacks in the world. But Hayes said there’s no need for the qualifier.“She the best defender I've ever seen. Ever,” Hayes said after Girma’s stone-wall defense helped secure the USWNT’s 1-0 victory over Germany that sent the Americans into the gold medal match. “I've never seen a player as good as her in the back."

USA vs. Brazil score at halftime: 0-0

For the U.S., the first half of both the quarterfinals and semifinals were scoreless (and all of regulation, for that matter).The final against Brazil was no exception.

Both teams had their fair share of scoring chances – Brazil’s more consistent compared to the Americans – but neither side had anything to show for it.

Brazil’s Ludmila has been a handful for the U.S. back line to deal with. It looked like she put Brazil up in the 16th minute when she beat Naomi Girma off the dribble in the box, but luckily for the U.S., the offside flag went up. Alyssa Naeher came up huge during stoppage time to save a Gabi Porthilo strike.

Mallory Swanson had the United States’ best chance of scoring on a long, speedy run with the ball.

The match has been physical despite referee Tess Olofsson’s willingness to let play continue. Brazil was whistled for nine fouls compared to seven for the U.S. Possession had been nearly even for most of the match, but Brazil largely dominated the end of the half and ended up controlling the ball 54% of the time.

USWNT vs. Brazil highlights: USA wins Olympic gold for first time in 12 years (3)

Mallory Swanson’s speed almost leads to goal

Mallory Swanson turned on the burners – and it almost led to the match’s first goal. Tierna Davidson cleared the ball from the U.S. defensive zone and Swanson found herself one-on-one with a Brazilian defender. Swanson took a couple of huge touches to win the footrace down the field and record a shot on net in the 26th minute – but it wasn’t the best angle. The subsequent U.S. rebound effort also came up empty.

VAR review – no penalty

Speaking of physicality – there has been plenty more where that came from. Referee Tess Olofsson called for a VAR review in the 21st minute that would have led to a penalty shot from Brazil. The review revealed no foul on the U.S. in the box, however.

Brazil's Ludmila called offsides

What looked like an early deficit for the Americans turned out to be offsides by Brazil.The flag went on Ludmila, who beat Naomi Girma off the dribble in the box and fired one past Naeher. Amid the cries of celebration for the Brazil fans in the stands, the referee’s arm went in the air and the side judge on the far end of the field had the flag up.

USA vs. Brazil Olympic final fouls so far

The play has been physical and referee Tess Olofsson has been mostly keeping the whistle in the pocket. Lindsey Horan had a strong tackle near midfield in which she extended her arms but play went on, even as the U.S. won the ball back. Then Mallory Swanson went down after contact at the top of the box, but again, Olofsson let play continue.

Megan Rapinoe in the house

USWNT starting lineup today

There's a big surprise in the USWNT lineup for the Olympic final against Brazil: No Rose Lavelle in the starting lineup. Lavelle has started each of the previous five games in the tournament. But she was replaced in the lineup by Korbin Albert. Lavelle is not injured, and is available as a sub.The rest of the lineup remains unchanged:

  • Goalkeeper: Alyssa Naeher
  • Defenders: Crystal Dunn, Tierna Davidson, Naomi Girma, Emily Fox
  • Midfielders: Korbin Albert, Lindsey Horan, Sam Coffey
  • Forwards: Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, Trinity Rodman

This game will be the 100th appearance for Swanson, who has fully recovered from a devastating knee injury last year. Available subs: Casey Krueger, Lynn Williams, Jenna Nighswonger, Emily Sonnett, Jaedyn Shaw, Rose Lavelle, Casey Murphy.

Mallory Swanson's 100th cap

Mallory Swanson is the 44th player in team history to reach the 100-cap milestone.

USWNT schedule Olympics

Here are all the games the U.S. women have played at the Paris Olympics.

  • July 25: USWNT 3, Zambia 0
  • July 28:USWNT 4, Germany 1
  • July 31:USWNT 2, Australia 0
  • Aug. 3:USWNT 1, Japan 0
  • Aug. 6: USWNT 1, Germany 0

USWNT's pink hair tradition

Even though she's retired, Megan Rapinoe still has influence with the USWNT.

Trinity Rodman has been wearing pink braids throughout the Olympic tournament. Rapinoe, of course, was famous for her vibrant pink hair during the 2019 World Cup, which also was played in France. The USWNT won that World Cup that year, with Rapinoe picking up both the Golden Ball award as the tournament's best player and the Golden Boot as its top scorer.

"I guess we needed some color somewhere and pink's the color," Rodman said Thursday. "Pink, purple, whatever. So yeah, I guess we've got to continue that moving forward."

USWNT vs. Brazil highlights: USA wins Olympic gold for first time in 12 years (4)

US women's soccer coach Emma Hayes

Part of the reason the Americans feel like they have been able to be themselves? Emma Hayes’ sense of humor. She’s been called “hilarious,” her one-liners and zingers frequent. She is demanding, to be sure, but her ability to crack jokes puts her players at ease.

"I think the one thing I love most about Emma is that she has the perfect balance of being serious but then you also see her goofy side too," Mallory Swanson said . "I think seeing that side of a coach helps a lot because we’re all human and she does such a good job of showing that."

USWNT matchday kit

Here is what the Americans are wearing for the gold medal game against Brazil.

USWNT vs. Brazil prediction

The road for Brazil to reach this point has been … interesting. Marta, the legend, took a red card in Brazil’s final match of group play and served a two-match suspension. The only way she could have returned to this tournament – said to be her last on the international stage – was if her teammates found a way to reach the gold-medal match. They did, and Marta will have at least one final moment in front of the globe.

Spirit won’t be enough for the Brazilians against the U.S. though. The American back line, led by Naomi Girma, is stout. Alyssa Naeher has been solid in net. Although the U.S. has not flexed the offensive firepower in France, it has at least scored enough to reward the defense. Take your pick of The Triple Threat, The Big Three, “Triple Espresso” – whatever your preference is for the trio of Mallory Swanson, Trinity Rodman and Sophia Smith – to find the back of the net.

Score prediction: USA2,Brazil0

USWNT players

  • Forward: Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, Jaedyn Smith, Trinity Rodman, Crystal Dunn.
  • Goalkeepers: Casey Murphy and Alyssa Naeher.
  • Defenders: Tierna Davidson, Emily Fox, Naomi Girma, Casey Krueger, Jenna Nighswonger, Emily Sonnett.
  • Midfielders: Korbin Albert, Sam Coffey, Lindsey Horan, Rose Lavelle, Lynn Williams.

Brazil's Marta is getting a fitting sendoff

Marta, the Brazilian great, is playing her final international match today, when Brazil faces the U.S. It’s the fourth time in her career Marta has made the final at a major tournament, and third at theOlympics. The Brazilians lost to the USWNT in 2004 and 2008. They also lost to Germany at the 2007 World Cup.

“We all wanted to play the final at the Olympics regardless of the circumstances. But of course this is an extra motivation,” Angelina said Friday. “We want to give this medal to Marta. She has given us so much throughout her career. She’s given everything she has to us and women’s football. She really deserves to play in the final.”

USWNT vs. Brazil Olympic history

The USWNT and Brazil have some history at the Olympics.The teams faced each other in the final in both 2004 and 2008, with the USWNT winning each time. Although no one from those USWNT teams is left, Brazilian icon Marta played in both games. Brazil scored one goal in those two games, by Pretinha in 2004.

"What happened in the past is far away," Brazil coach Arthus Elias said Friday. "Football deserves great games and we should stop whining and talking about the past. We have new ingredients, new things to talk about rather than be thinking about the past.

"I’m not worried at all about what happened in the past," Elias added. "I feel we are close to our dream coming true and that our players will do their very best tomorrow.”

USWNT vs. Brazil highlights: USA wins Olympic gold for first time in 12 years (2024)

FAQs

How many Olympic gold medals has the US women's soccer team won? ›

Has the US Olympic women's soccer team won a gold medal? Yes, they have won the Olympic gold medal on five occasions, more than any other nation in the women's tournament and in fact no other nation has won this tournament more than once.

Who won the first gold medal in women's soccer? ›

The United States also won gold medals at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics — the first time women's soccer was played at the Olympics — and in 2012 at London. Brazil has never finished better than runner-up at the Olympics. “I'm very emotional. It's been a dream of mine to be in this position,” said Hayes, a London native.

When was the last USWNT gold medal? ›

The United States national team, once again, is the gold standard of women's soccer. The USWNT ended its Olympic gold medal drought on Saturday with Mallory Swanson scoring the winning goal in a 1-0 thriller over Brazil in the women's soccer final at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Was the US offside against Brazil? ›

A VAR check was conducted to ensure Smith's offside position in the lead-up to the play didn't impact the Brazilian defense, but the referee deemed the goal fair and it was awarded. "I was so happy she was the one scoring that goal, after all she went through," Smith said of Swanson.

Which female has won the most Olympic medals? ›

Ledecky won her ninth Olympic medal — and 14th ever — to extend her title as the most-decorated U.S. female Olympian.

Did Megan Rapinoe win a gold medal? ›

Rapinoe has competed with Team USA in three Olympic Games, taking home the gold medal for her first Olympics in London in 2012. She returned to Rio four years later, where Team USA placed 5th in women's soccer, though they secured the bronze in Tokyo's 2020 Games, which was Rapinoe's final Olympics as a competitor.

Who was the first woman to win gold? ›

Countess Hélène de Pourtalès (born Helen Barbey; April 28, 1868 – November 2, 1945) was an American-born Swiss sailor who competed in the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris representing Switzerland and became the first woman to win an Olympic gold medal.

Who was the first woman to win three gold medals? ›

A souvenir program celebrating Wilma Rudolph Day in Clarksville, Tennessee on October 4, 1960 commemorating her achievements in the 1960 Summer Olympics. The front of the black-and-white program features a centrally oriented, thatched illustration of Wilma Rudolph with three (3) Olympic gold medals above her head.

Who was the first woman to win 3 gold medals in single Olympics? ›

Wilma Rudolph was the first American woman to win three gold medals in one Olympics. At the 1960 Rome Olympics, Rudolph became "the fastest woman in the world" and the first American woman to win three gold medals in one Olympics.

Can US women's soccer still win gold? ›

U.S. women's soccer team beats Brazil 1-0 to win gold medal at Paris Olympics. The U.S. women's soccer team is golden once more after beating Brazil in a highly anticipated final match at the Paris Olympics on Saturday.

Who won Brazil vs. the USA? ›

U.S. Women's National Team Defeats Brazil 1-0 to Win Gold Medal at 2024 Paris Olympics.

How many titles has the USWNT won? ›

The team is the most successful in international women's soccer, winning four Women's World Cup titles (1991, 1999, 2015, and 2019), five Olympic gold medals (1996, 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2024), nine CONCACAF W Championship titles, and one CONCACAF W Gold Cup title.

Has the USMNT ever beaten Brazil? ›

2008? More extra time, but this time Carli Lloyd sent Brazil to silver instead of gold. The USWNT vs Brazil history does not end there, and the World Cup has been the scene of more rivalry drama. The U.S. beat Brazil 5-0 in the 1991 group stage, and the '99ers knocked Brazil out in the semifinal stage.

When did the US recognize Brazil? ›

Following Brazil's independence in 1822, the United States was one of the first countries to recognize Brazil in 1824.

Was Swansons goal offside? ›

Swanson scores again

The Portland Thorns forward wisely suspected she was offside, providing a decoy to keep the Brazilian defense on lower alert while Swanson swooped in — from an onside position — to collect and carry the ball forward. From there, it was Swanson at her best.

Who won women's Olympic gold? ›

U.S. women's basketball team defeats France to win eighth straight Olympic gold medal. NPR is in Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Which country won the first Olympic gold medal in football? ›

In 1900 the competition was won by the London amateurs of Upton Park FC, representing Great Britain.

Who won the women's soccer Olympics in 2008? ›

The tournament was won by the United States, which beat Brazil 1–0 in the gold medal game. Carli Lloyd scored the game-winning goal in the 96th minute for the United States, which collected their third Olympic gold medal.

Who won the women's soccer championships? ›

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