PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 10: Tierna Davidson #12 of Team United States and Jheniffer #11 of Team Brazil battle for the ball during the Women’s Gold Medal match between Brazil and United States of America during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Parc des Princes on August 10, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
It all comes down to this. After a grueling stretch of five games in 13 days, the United States women’s national team faces Brazil for the gold medal. If they win, it would be their first since the 2012 London Games, which capped off a streak of three straight golds. Since then, the USWNT won bronze in Tokyo and did not medal in 2016. The USWNT is coming off two straight matches that went into extra time.
Saturday’s match will also see the return of Brazilian soccer icon Marta, who was suspended for the last two games after receiving a straight red during the group stage. This is the final international tournament for Marta, who is retiring this year, and her last chance to win her first major international title with Brazil. Marta has two Olympic silver medals from the 2004 and 2008 games, and will be trying to earn her first gold…but the U.S. isn’t just going to let her take it.
How to watch Olympic gold medal game: United States vs. Brazil
Follow along with Yahoo Sports for live updates, highlights and more as the United States takes on Brazil in the gold medal match on Saturday.
Live16 updates
Sat, August 10, 2024 at 10:20 AM CDT
This has been a very fast paced game so far, which is not ideal for a starting USWNT squad that has played five matches in less than two weeks. The USWNT usually thrives when they can control the ball, but Brazil is not giving them that opportunity.
Brazil’s best bet will be to keep up the speed and the pressure. It’s going to be a battle of who can score first — whoever gets that first point will likely be able to ride that momentum through to the end.
Sat, August 10, 2024 at 10:19 AM CDT
The U.S. gets lucky again, as a Brazilian cross goes past Naomi Girma but also misses its intended target in front of the goal.
Sat, August 10, 2024 at 10:17 AM CDT
A sigh of relief for the U.S., as Ludmila scores a banger for Brazil, but she is called offsides. Brazil is having much more luck getting past the U.S. back line, and it’s a bit too close for comfort.
Sat, August 10, 2024 at 10:12 AM CDT
Another corner after Trinity Rodman — following a bit of her classic dribbling trickery — threads a throughball to Mallory Swanson, whose cross is sent out. But Swanson’s corner kick attempt hits the top of the goal and is out of bounds.
Sat, August 10, 2024 at 10:11 AM CDT
The U.S. gets a corner kick, but the first one is whistled off as the referee gives some Brazilian players in the box a talking-to. Mallory Swanson’s attempt is then quickly headed out, giving Brazil a fast break towards the goal, but Crystal Dunn is able to slow things down.
Sat, August 10, 2024 at 10:09 AM CDT
The United States and Brazil are common foes
The USWNT and Brazil have met often, with the U.S. leading an all-time record of 32W-5L-3D. Their last meeting was in the final of the inaugural Concacaf W Gold Cup, which the U.S. won 1-0.
Sat, August 10, 2024 at 10:06 AM CDT
The U.S., seemingly regaining some composure, gets in a few looks in and around the box, before Sophia Smith sends in a somewhat weak shot that goes right to Brazilian keeper Lorena.
Sat, August 10, 2024 at 10:05 AM CDT
The USWNT gets an early set piece with a free kick about halfway outside the box, but it bounces out of bounds.
Sat, August 10, 2024 at 10:04 AM CDT
Brazil gets in a few early shots, including a dangerous one that Naeher is able to get her hands on. Brazil is coming out hot out of the gate.
Sat, August 10, 2024 at 10:01 AM CDT
USWNT kicks off gold medal match against Brazil
And we’re off! The U.S. will vie for its first Olympic gold medal since 2012, but will have to get through a very strong Brazilian team first.
Sat, August 10, 2024 at 9:59 AM CDT
Some Olympics context for today’s matchup: The USWNT has won four gold medals at the Olympics, but haven’t won gold since 2012. The team exited in the quarterfinals in 2016 and settled for a bronze last Olympics in Tokyo.
Brazil, meanwhile, has only won two medals at the Olympics, with two silver medals in 2004 and 2008.
Sat, August 10, 2024 at 9:54 AM CDT
Two of the heroes of the semifinal against Germany — defender Naomi Girma and goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher — look focused and ready ahead of the match.
Sat, August 10, 2024 at 9:47 AM CDT
Compared to past years and past tournament, this is a young U.S. team and a relatively inexperienced one. Only two of the American starters — Alyssa Naeher and Crystal Dunn — have played in a major tournament final before, with both playing in the 2019 World Cup final.
2 – Only two #USWNT starters (Alyssa Naeher, Crystal Dunn – 2019 World Cup) have appeared in a major tournament final before, the fewest in any final starting XI for the #USWNT since the 1991 World Cup Final (none), the first in team history. New. pic.twitter.com/Pi5n5PytoG
Two big milestones for USWNT forwards today: Mallory Swanson, who earned her first cap with the USWNT at age 17, will be making her 100th appearance in today’s game.
And in another big milestone, forward Sophia Smith is playing in today’s game while celebrating her 24th birthday. If everything goes according to plan, it’ll be a sweet (and memorable) birthday indeed.
Sat, August 10, 2024 at 9:09 AM CDT
Here is Brazil’s starting lineup, with Marta available on the bench.
BRASIL ESCALADO! 🇧🇷🥹
É hoje! Vale ouro! A @SelecaoFeminina entra em campo neste sábado (10), a partir das 12h contra a equipe dos Estados Unidos, nos Jogos Olímpicos de Paris.
USWNT announces its starting lineup for the gold medal match
USWNT coach Emma Hayes is largely sticking with the same crew, with one notable exception: Korbin Albert is starting in the midfield in place of Rose Lavelle. Lavelle was subbed out in the 60th minute of the semifinal against Germany; she has been dealing with injuries over the past year and likely needs the rest, but she is available on the bench.
Lining up for the Gold Medal Match in Paris, our XI 🇺🇸#USWNT x @Visa
— U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) August 10, 2024
