The U.S. women’s national team are Olympic gold medalists again.
The USWNT made a habit of threatening teams early on at this Olympics, but that was not the case against Brazil in the final. But the U.S. responded in the second half with Mallory Swanson breaking through in the 57th minute.
Midfielder Korbin Albert slotted a long ball through two Brazilian defenders to find Swanson. The forward collected and shot low to the right of goalkeeper Lorena. It was Swanson’s fourth goal of the tournament.
Brazilian icon Marta entered the match in the 61st minute, her last major international final, for Ludmila. Despite a late push, she could not help her side finally overcome a USWNT in a gold-medal match.
The last time a team was held scoreless in an Olympic women’s final was Brazil by the U.S. in 2008. The U.S. also beat Brazil in the 2004 final. Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher ended up making a huge late save to secure the win. Read more below.
GO FURTHER
USA 1 Brazil 0: Mal Swanson’s goal wins first USWNT Olympic gold in 12 years
