With a win over Brazil and their renowned captain Marta on Saturday, the United States, led by new coach Emma Hayes, are looking to reclaim their position as the dominant force in women’s international football.
The United States entered the Olympics with a refreshed team and a sense of revenge following their disappointing performance in the previous year’s World Cup, where they were ousted in the round of 16.
Additionally, they did not do well at the last two Olympics, placing out of the medal race in Rio 2016 before winning bronze in Tokyo three years ago.
However, the USA received a much-needed boost with the entrance of famed English coach Hayes from Chelsea, and they were motivated to get to the final by the dynamic attacking combination of Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, and Trinity Rodman.
The USA defeated Japan and the Germans in extra time in the knockout stages after winning all three of their group matches against Australia, Germany, and Zambia. They have each scored three goals in the tournament.
They are now aiming to win the championship for the first time since London 2012 and add to their record-breaking four gold medals in women’s football.
The forward from Colorado who turns 24 on the day of the final, Smith said, “Emma came in so soon before this tournament, so we knew that was going to be a challenge, but she just came in flying and we absolutely love her.”
“She has put in daily effort to earn our trust and demonstrate her concern for us. She is such a wonderful mentor and coach.
“Emma deserves a lot of the credit since we are a whole different team. She has done a great job of outlining everyone’s roles. We can’t wait for her to lead us as our coach for an extended period of time.”
Untimely on the third occasion?
The USA’s position as the undisputed global powerhouse of the women’s game looked to be gone for some time following last year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, when a brilliant Spain team led by Aitana Bonmati were crowned champions.
However, Spain missed out in their bid to add Olympic gold to that title and the UEFA Nations League after they were surprisingly beaten 4-2 by Brazil in Tuesday’s semi-final in Marseille.
Instead it is the Brazilians who will meet the USA in the gold medal match and they will be attempting to make it third time lucky after losing to the same opponents in the Athens final in 2004 and in Beijing in 2008.
Both of those finals were won by the USA in extra time, and both featured Marta, the Brazilian legend and multiple winner of the FIFA world player of the year award.
Now 38, she is appearing at her sixth and likely last Olympics, and is hoping to sign off with gold to go with her two silver medals.
Marta is returning from her ban
Marta was sent off for a reckless challenge in Brazil’s last group game, also against the Spanish, and missed both the quarterfinal victory against hosts France and the semifinal matchup against Spain owing to suspension.
“She will now have the opportunity to play in the final of the Olympics, where she truly belongs. Gabi Portilho, who scored in both the quarterfinal and semifinal, expressed her hope that she will win the gold medal.
It remains to be seen if Marta will be enticed to continue competing until Brazil hosts the World Cup in 2027, or if the final would serve as her country’s farewell on the international scene.
“Marta has revolutionized the global soccer game,” stated Rodman, referring to Marta who has primarily played club soccer in the US.
In addition to being an amazing soccer player, she is a wonderful person. She has always inspired me. She will always leave a legacy, but we want the gold.”
