Categories: Trending now

U.S. women’s soccer team beats Brazil 1-0 to win gold medal at Paris Olympics

2024-08-11 01:00:02

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.

A goal from Mallory Swanson, playing in her 100th match for the U.S., in the 57th minute, was the difference between the two rivals.

Mallory Swanson of the United States celebrates scoring a goal against Brazil in the second half during the Women’s Gold Medal match during the Olympic Games Paris 2024.

Brad Smith/USSF / Getty Images


The U.S. was undefeated heading into the game, but Brazil had the best chances early. Brazilian forward Ludmila was alone in front of the goal in the second minute, but her shot went straight into the arms of goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher.

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

In stoppage time, some heroics from Naeher preserved the win with a one-handed save on Adriana’s header.

The loss signals more heartbreak for Brazil and its iconic star, Marta. The six-time world player of the year, who announced early this year that she will retire after this year’s Games, has never won a Women’s World Cup or an Olympics. The 38-year-old first stepped onto the Olympic turf 20 years ago at the 2004 Games in Athens.

To get to the final, both teams had to weave their way through a competitive field of rivals. Twelve nations in total qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The United States and Brazil rose to the top of the pack after beating opponents Germany and Spain, respectively, during semifinal matches earlier this week. 

The Americans won 1-0 Tuesday in a fierce battle with Germany. Forward player Sophia Smith scored the winning goal in the first 15-minute half of overtime after an assist from teammate Mallory Swanson.

“I’m so proud of us for finding a way in these last few games to get the win,” Smith said after Tuesday’s match. Smith turns 24 on Aug. 10, the day of the gold medal matchup. 

Marta of Brazil walks on the field in the second half during the Women’s Gold Medal match against the United States during the Olympic Games Paris 2024.

Brad Smith/USSF / Getty Images


Brazil had their work cut out for them going into Tuesday’s semifinals against Spain, which boasted an undefeated record at the Summer Games. Still, the South American team managed to defy the odds when they beat the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup champs 4-2.

The U.S. women’s team is now the winningest team in the Olympics with five gold medals. The Americans have defeated Brazil twice in an Olympic final — in 2004 and 2008. The last time the U.S. women’s team brought home gold was at the 2012 Games in London

Germany won the 2016 women’s finals in Rio and Canada took home gold in 2021 in Tokyo.

Actor Tom Cruise celebrates during the women’s gold medal match between Team Brazil and Team United States.

Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images


Tom Cruise, former U.S. star Megan Rapinoe and former NBA star Sue Bird were among those in the crowd at Parc des Princes.

It was the third victory for the United States over Brazil in an Olympic final. The Americans also beat the Brazilians in 2004 in Athens and four years later in Beijing.

News Today

Share
Published by
News Today

Recent Posts

Kareena Kapoor’s Next Untitled Film With Meghna Gulzar Gets Prithviraj Sukumaran On Board

Kareena Kapoor is working with Raazi director Meghna Gulzar for her next film. The project,…

17 hours ago

Purdue basketball freshman Daniel Jacobsen injured vs Northern Kentucky

2024-11-09 15:00:03 WEST LAFAYETTE -- Daniel Jacobsen's second game in Purdue basketball's starting lineup lasted…

17 hours ago

Rashida Jones honors dad Quincy Jones with heartfelt tribute: ‘He was love’

2024-11-09 14:50:03 Rashida Jones is remembering her late father, famed music producer Quincy Jones, in…

17 hours ago

Nosferatu Screening at Apollo Theatre Shows Student Interest in Experimental Cinema – The Oberlin Review

2024-11-09 14:40:03 A silent German expressionist film about vampires accompanied by Radiohead’s music — what…

17 hours ago

What Are Adaptogens? Find Out How These 3 Herbs May Help You Tackle Stress Head-On

Let's face it - life can be downright stressful! With everything moving at breakneck speed,…

17 hours ago

The new Mac Mini takes a small step towards upgradeable storage

Apple’s redesigned Mac Mini M4 has ditched the previous M2 machine’s SSD that was soldered…

17 hours ago