US women’s soccer team beats Brazil 1-0 to win gold at Paris Olympics

The United States women’s soccer team claimed the gold medal again after defeating Brazil in the highly anticipated final at the Paris Olympics on Saturday.

Mallory Swanson, who was playing her 100th cap for the United States, scored in the 57th minute, which was the difference between the two rivals.

The United States were unbeaten heading into the match, but Brazil had the best chances early on. Brazilian forward Ludmila was alone in front of goal in the second minute, but her shot went straight into the arms of goalkeeper Alyssa Naher.

Brazil thought they had scored when Ludmila appeared to score in the 16th minute, but the goal was quickly ruled out for offside.

In stoppage time, Naher managed to preserve the win after he made a one-handed save to block a header from Adriana.

The loss spells more sadness for Brazil and its legendary star Marta. The six-time world player of the year, who She announced earlier this year that she would retire after this year’s Games.She has never won a Women’s World Cup or an Olympic Games. The 38-year-old was the first to step onto the Olympic turf. Twenty years ago at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.

In order to reach the final, both teams had to fight their way through a competitive field full of opponents. 12 countries qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The United States and Brazil moved to the top of the group after beating Germany and Spain, respectively, in their semi-final matches earlier this week.

The US team won 1-0 on Tuesday in a fierce battle with its German counterpart. Striker Sophia Smith He scored the winning goal in the first 15 minutes of extra time after an assist from teammate Mallory Swanson.

“I’m very proud of us because we found a way in the last few games to win.” Smith said after Tuesday’s game:Smith will turn 24 on August 10, the day of their gold medal match.

Brazil had to work hard ahead of Tuesday’s semi-final against Spain, who were riding high on their 1-0 win over France. Unbeaten record in the Summer GamesHowever, the South American side defied expectations when they beat the 2023 Women’s World Cup champions 4-2.

The U.S. women’s team is now the most decorated Olympic team with five gold medals. The Americans have beaten Brazil twice in the Olympic finals – in 2004 and 2008. That was the last time the U.S. women’s team won gold at the Olympics. 2012 London Olympics.

Germany won the women’s final at Rio 2016. and Canada wins gold at Tokyo 2021.

Among those in attendance at the Parc des Princes were actor Tom Cruise, former US star Megan Rapinoe and former basketball star Sue Bird.

This was the third U.S. win over Brazil in an Olympic final. The U.S. also beat Brazil in Athens 2004 and four years later in Beijing.