PARIS — The U.S. women's national team won the Olympic gold medal Saturday, beating Brazil 1-0 in a match that required fierce defending in the first half followed by precise and calculated attacking in the second to deny Brazil and its legendary captain Marta a goal.
It was a familiar ending to a tournament that had focused heavily on what was new for the U.S. women’s national team: a new coach in Emma Hayes; a new forward line; and a new outlook after the disappointment of last summer’s Women’s World Cup — all of which combined to deliver a record fifth Olympic title for the U.S. women and their first since 2012.
The United States never trailed in the entire tournament, and as the final whistle blew, the players ran together in celebration, hugging, jumping, screaming and crying.
“I cried,” said American Trinity Rodman. “I didn't think I was going to cry… but, my God, that was the hardest, most exhausting experience of my life, but I wouldn't change it for anything in the world.”
Mallory Swanson scored the winner in the 57th minute with a pinpoint finish after breaking free of the Brazilian defence, but Korbin Albert and Sophia Smith also played key roles. Albert, a young midfielder Hayes gave the starting role in place of Rose Lavelle, delivered a perfectly timed pass for Swanson to pounce on while Smith smartly moved away from the play after realising she was offside.
Smith said afterward that he heard Swanson yelling at him not to touch the ball because he had seen Smith had gotten too far away. “It was scary!” Smith joked, but he got the message and stepped aside, allowing Swanson to move forward and score his fourth goal of the tournament.
Once Swanson fired a shot past Brazilian goalkeeper Lorena, fans at the Parc des Princes, including Tom Cruise and Megan Rapinoe, erupted.
“I've been through a lot,” said Swanson, who missed last year's Women's World Cup with a knee injury. “It was great to score.”
The goal was cheered from home by Swanson's husband, Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson.
“I'm so happy for her. It's hard to put into words how happy I am for her and for being able to enjoy this moment,” he said. “I was alone in the basement, like I've been at every game. I focused on the game, screamed and got up from the couch so as not to spoil the magic.”
In an odd twist, among those celebrating alongside Cruise in the stands was Hayes' mother, a reality that seemed to please the new USWNT coach in her post-match press conference almost as much as the final result.
On a more serious note, England coach Hayes, who began working with the United States in June, said she was very proud to be able to help bring an American team back to the top because of the way the U.S. offered her opportunities to grow as a women's soccer coach.
“I went to America and they looked after me, raised me and gave me opportunities that England never, ever gave me,” said Hayes, who coached in the United States for almost a decade before taking charge of Chelsea in 2012.
She added: “I'm so happy to be able to give back. I'm a happy half-American today,” and Lindsey Horan, the team captain, chimed in: “You're a full American.”
Hayes frequently highlighted the team-wide effort needed to beat Brazil, and that was certainly true. While Swanson will go down in history as the match-winner, it was impossible to ignore the performance of veteran goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, who first helped keep the Americans in the game when Brazil started fast, and then maintained the lead late, making a fantastic reaction save on Adriana in stoppage time. Naeher did not allow a goal in the knockout rounds.
Among the Brazilians denied a start on Saturday was Marta, the veteran star playing her final international match. Marta did not start – an understandable decision after Brazil beat France and Spain while serving a suspension – but came on when Brazil fell behind and tried in vain to inspire a comeback.
Rodman, who grew up inspired by Marta, found his opponent after the match and hugged her.
“I still say she's my idol. I'm literally in awe when I walk past her,” Rodman said. “I feel horrible that I had to beat her, but at the same time it's amazing and it's an honor for me to play against such an amazing and talented woman.”
With a little luck (and a different level than Naeher), the Brazilians could have won their first major title. As they did in their surprise semi-final against Spain, they came out pressing. Ludmila had a close-range shot that Naeher saved. Adriana danced deftly on the byline and almost drew a penalty from Crystal Dunn. Ludmila got past Naomi Girma and fired a shot into the net that was ruled offside. Gabi Portilho beat Tierna Davidson and missed Ludmila with a dangerous cross in front of goal.
The Americans also had moments in the first half, but they were low-key. Rodman's magical turn in midfield sent her flying toward goal, and Swanson also used her speed to take a corner, but Brazil always felt more dangerous. If it weren't for Naeher, who reacted magically and saved from Portilho in first-half stoppage time, the U.S. would have gone into the break way behind.
Instead, the Americans were level and were able to come out with greater urgency and verve. Smith crossed just wide of Swanson's reach and Sam Coffey had a shot go wide to get the American crowd back into action before Albert, showing poise, found his space. Suddenly, there was a quick pass, Swanson's run and Brazil was reeling.
After Naeher denied Adriana, Marta put her hands on her head as the American fans cheered in jubilation. A year after the incredible disappointment of losing in the round of 16 of the World Cup, the U.S. women's team was back.
“I think when you face a difficult road and you come out victorious, it means more than just an easy road,” Swanson said. “We all play with joy.”
