In a standout moment for women’s football, Emma Hayes led the United States to Olympic gold in her debut tournament as head coach.
The 47-year-old Englishwoman, who assumed the role less than three months ago, guided a transitioning US team to their first Olympic gold medal since 2012 and their fifth overall.
The decisive moment came from Mallory Swanson, whose composed finish in the second half was enough to secure the victory at a sweltering Parc des Princes.
Swanson’s goal came after she expertly navigated the offside trap and calmly placed the ball past Brazil’s goalkeeper, Lorena.
Despite a strong push in the match’s dying moments, Brazil could not find the equalizer.
Adriana came close with a diving header that US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher spectacularly saved during ten minutes of injury time.
With this narrow miss, Brazil’s quest for their first international women’s football title continues.
