Brazil and the USA faced off for the gold medal in the 2024 Olympic Women’s football final. The game kicked off at 4pm (BST) and was available to watch on Eurosport. The game was held at Parc des Princes, home of Paris Saint-Germain, located in the capital city.
The US stick with the 4-1-2-3 formation that they have kept the whole tournament, with Emma Hayes making few changes to the starting XI. Brazil changed their formation for a third time, beginning the competition using 4-4-2, switching to 5-2-3 and now taking on a 3-4-3 for the final.
An almost immediate shot from Ludmila just yards out from the goal puts instant pressure on the USA, but is stopped by Naeher with ease. Within just 10 minutes, the US had taken 3 corners, all delivered by Mallory Swanson, falling just short of creating chances.
Ludmila slips past Naomi Girma, netting the ball in the 16th minute, however it was deemed offside by the officials. Ludmila has a second chance in the 18th minute, with a cross from Gabi Portilho, but can’t connect with the ball.
Rodman attempts to press but can’t find a teammate, however earning her country a fourth corner, just 23 minutes into the game. The corner is easily stopped by Lorena. Swanson narrowly misses, struggling to find the right angle for the shot.
A cross falls to the feet of Yasmim but Girma clears it, reaching the bounce before the Brazilian can. A delivery from Rodman falls straight into the arms of Lorena. Another close shot from Smith is also stopped by Lorena.
An incredible cross from Portilho is headed away by Emily Fox, just inches away from meeting Ludmila. A loss of concentration at the back requires a spectacular goal line clearance from Naeher to keep the Brazilians out once again.
A goalless first half put pressure onto both teams, especially with how close Brazil have come to scoring. Brazil came in with a total of 4 shots, but only 4 on target, and the US had 3 shots, all of which were on target. Overall equal possession, however Brazil have held their possession higher up the field.
The first substitution sees Ana Vitoria on, with Yaya being stretchered off the field just minutes into the second half. A through ball from captain Lindsey Horan cannot find Trinity ROdman in the box.
The US took the lead in the 58th minute, with a cross from Smith into Swanson, who slotted the ball into the bottom right corner. Smith celebrates her 24th birthday today, and Swanson makes her 100th appearance for the senior US Women’s National Team.
An ambitious, edge of the box, attempt from Trinity Rodman flies wide of the left post, putting no pressure on Lorena. The US seemingly under a lot less pressure after Brazil subbed off Ludmila, who created most of their chances during the first half.
Tarciane receives the firs booking of the game, taking out Sophia Smith and providing the USA with an edge of the box free kick. Horan takes the free kick, however it hits the Brazilian wall. A shot from Korbin Albert, who knows this stadium well playing for PSG, dips slightly over the top right corner.
Brazil's all time top scorer Marta earns herself her third silver Olympic medal in her final game for her country after 22 years and 200+ appearances, and over 100 goals. The USA took home the gold in their first competition under Emma Hayes’ management.
A challenging game for both sides in the Paris heat, Brazil really struggled to net a goal, with the United States proved their worth and eventually came out on top, with a goal from the Chicago Red Stars striker Mallory Swanson.
Starting XIs:
Brazil: Lorena, Loren, Tarciane, Thaís, Adriana [C], Yasmim, Duda Sampaio, Yaya, Gabi Portilho, Jheniffer, Ludmila.
USA: Naeher, Fox, Albert, Girma, Rodman, Dunn, Swanson Horan [C], Smith, Davidson, Coffey.
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