PARIS: A revitalized United States team, under the guidance of new coach Emma Hayes, is eager to reassert itself as the dominant force in women’s international soccer by securing the gold medal in Saturday’s Olympic final against Brazil and their iconic captain Marta.
The USA entered the Olympics with a rejuvenated squad, determined to make amends for their disappointing exit in the last 16 of last year’s World Cup. Their performances at the previous two Olympics were also underwhelming, finishing without a medal in Rio 2016 and settling for bronze three years ago in Tokyo.
However, the arrival of esteemed English coach Hayes from Chelsea has provided the USA with the momentum they needed. They have been inspired en route to the final by the dynamic attacking trio of Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, and Trinity Rodman.
Each of them has netted three goals during the tournament, with the USA winning all three group stage matches against Zambia, Germany, and Australia before overcoming Japan and the Germans in extra time during the knockout rounds.
Now, they are aiming to add to their record of four gold medals in women’s soccer and clinch the title for the first time since London 2012. “Emma joined us right before this tournament, so we knew it would be a challenge, but she came in with such energy, and we absolutely love her,” said Smith, the Colorado-born forward who turns 24 on the day of the final.
“She has worked tirelessly to earn our trust and show she cares about us. She’s an amazing coach and a wonderful mentor. We are a completely different team now, and much of the credit goes to Emma. She has clearly communicated everyone’s roles. We’re really excited to have her as our coach for the long term.”
The USA’s status as the unrivaled powerhouse in women’s soccer seemed to be slipping after last year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, where a brilliant Spain team led by Aitana Bonmatí claimed the title. However, Spain fell short of adding Olympic gold to that triumph and the UEFA Nations League after they were surprisingly defeated 4-2 by Brazil in Tuesday’s semi-final in Marseille.
As a result, it is the Brazilians who will face the USA in the gold medal match, seeking to finally triumph after losing to the Americans in the Athens final in 2004 and again in Beijing in 2008.
Both of those finals were won by the USA in extra time, with Marta, the Brazilian legend and multiple FIFA World Player of the Year, playing in both. Now 38, she is competing in her sixth and likely final Olympics, hoping to cap her career with gold to accompany her two silver medals.
Marta missed both the quarter-final victory against hosts France and the semi-final against Spain due to a suspension following a reckless challenge in Brazil’s final group game, also against Spain.
“Now she’ll have the opportunity to finish her Olympics in a final, where she belongs. I hope she can come away with the gold medal,” said Gabi Portilho, who scored in both the quarter-final and semi-final.
Whether the final will be Marta’s farewell to international soccer or if she might continue until the 2027 World Cup, which Brazil will host, remains to be seen.
“Marta has transformed the game of soccer worldwide,” said Rodman of Marta, who has spent much of her club career in the United States. “She’s an incredibly talented player and a wonderful person. I’ve always looked up to her. Her legacy is eternal, but we’re focused on winning that gold.”
