.Sam Borden, ESPN Elder WriterAug 10, 2024, 01:06 PM ETCloseSam Borden is a senior article writer for ESPN.com.PARIS-- The U.S. women's national group won the Olympic gold medal on Sunday, beating Brazil, 1-0, in a game that required a stout defensive stand in the initial one-half complied with through an accurate as well as estimated rise in the 2nd to deny Brazil as well as its own epic captain Marta.It was a known finishing to an event that had been actually a great deal concerning what's new for the USWNT: A brand new trainer in Emma Hayes, a brand-new frontline of opponents and also a brand-new expectation after the frustration of final summer season's Women's World Cup all harmonized with each other to result in a record-extending fifth Olympic title, and also first considering that 2012, for the USA ladies, who certainly never trailed at any point in their 6 matches in France.Mallory Swanson racked up the succeeding objective in the 57th min with a sleek finish after running through on target, however young midfielder Korbin Albert-- that delivered the reception-- as well as Sophia Johnson, who smartly broke away coming from the stage show after recognizing she resided in an offside posture, were the companies. The moment Swanson buckled her go past Brazil goalkeeper Lorena, the group at the Parc des Princes-- which included Tom Boat trip and Megan Rapinoe-- exploded.It was actually Swanson's fourth objective of the tournament, many amongst the Americans and also tied for second-most among all players in the competitors. Brazil, which had actually been in order for a lot of video game's onset, continued to push forward looking for an equalizer however could not find its technique through. U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, who was her team's most valuable gamer in the 1st half, carried out not permit a target in the knockout rounds.The suit was actually used the exact same industry where the guys's crews from Spain and also France participated in out an eight-goal standard in their ultimate a day previously, as well as ladies's groups started at a rate that at the very least meant a potential repulsive rockets, too.Mallory Swanson's objective delivered a fifth gold medal for the USWNT. Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile using Getty ImagesBrazil started without Marta, a selection which was logical-- the crew had just trumped France and also Spain while she offered a red-card suspension-- but still felt peculiar. And Hayes dropped Flower Lavelle from her schedule in favor of Albert, a seeming nod to Lavelle's injury past as well as the possibility of additional opportunity. Obviously, it was actually a choice that worked out perfectly.As they did in their trouble of Spain, the Brazilians emerged pushing. Inside two moments, Ludmila possessed a close-range try spared by Naeher, an early cautionary tale that seemed like an arrow dodged. Unbothered, Brazil maintained coming. Adriana danced deftly on the end pipe and nearly drew a charge from Crystal Dunn. Ludmila turned Naomi Girma and also whipped a shot into the web that was actually dismissed for offside. Gabi Portilho trumped Tierna Davidson and also only missed Ludmila with a risky cross facing goal.Editor's Picks1 RelatedThe Americans possessed instants, also. Trinity Rodman's enchanting spin at midfield sent her flying in the direction of goal and also Swanson used her speed too to pull a section however South america constantly experienced extra dangerous. Or even for Naeher-- that supplied a magical response save of Portilho in first-half interruption opportunity-- the USA would certainly have been well behind at the break.Instead, they equaled and also capable to find out along with better seriousness as well as endurance. Johnson moved across just out of Swanson's reach and also Sam Coffey that swerved wide to obtain the USA group back right into it just before Albert found her room. An easy glance, a strong pass and also Brazil was actually reeling.Marta, playing in her 6th Olympics and also what is actually anticipated to become her final international, came on at the hr yet was frequently repressed. Four mins into 10 minutes of stop time, Adriana pushed a diving header at objective from close range that Naeher-- once again == whacked away.Marta placed her palms on her head. The American followers chanted in joy. One year after unbelievable disappointment, the USWNT was actually back.