Mallory Swanson scored the winning goal as the United States edged Brazil 1-0 in Saturday’s Olympic women’s football final to claim the gold medal for a record-extending fifth time.
Brazil fought hard on a hot afternoon at the Parc des Princes, but the USA struck just before the hour mark when Swanson, on her 100th cap, ran through to finish past goalkeeper Lorena.
It is the first time the USA have taken the Olympic title in 12 years, their gold in Paris adding to those won in 1996, 2004, 2008 and 2012.
“I am just in awe of how hard everyone has worked to get here,” said the winger Trinity Rodman.
“I believed the entire time, but to finally be able to hold (the gold medal) is so amazing.”
Brazil were never expected to get this far, while the USA’s victory confirms their renaissance under new English coach Emma Hayes.
She only arrived from Chelsea in late May but has worked wonders with a team that a year ago was sent packing from the World Cup in the last 16.
“I am very emotional. It has been a dream of mine to be in this position,” Hayes told broadcaster Eurosport.
She described her team as “tremendous people and players and role models, I love them.”
The Americans boasted the more dangerous attack, though, and they went ahead on 57 minutes when Korbin Albert released Swanson to advance and finish expertly for her fourth goal of the tournament.
Brazil sent on Marta for the final half hour, but they never seriously looked like equalizing.
The veteran sent a free-kick over the bar before Naeher kept out Adriana’s header in stoppage time as the USA secured a third straight 1-0 win to take the title.
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