PARIS: A resurgent USA under new coach Emma Hayes will hope to once again establish themselves as a dominant force in women's international soccer after winning the Olympic gold medal against Brazil and their veteran captain Marta on Saturday.
After a poor showing at last year's World Cup, where they were eliminated in the last 16, the U.S. came into the Olympics with a new, young team and one point.
They have also performed equally well in each of the last two Olympics, finishing out of the medals in Rio 2016 before taking bronze in Tokyo.
But the arrival of legendary English coach Hayes from Chelsea has given the USA the boost they need and they have been inspired to reach the final by a thrilling attacking trio of Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson and Trinity Rodman.
They have each scored three goals in the tournament, with the United States winning all three group games against Zambia, Germany and Australia, and sending both Japan and Germany to extra time in the knockout rounds.
Now they are hoping to add to their women's football record four golds and win the title for the first time since London 2012.
“Emma arrived very early in the tournament, so we knew it was going to be a challenge, but she's just been flying and we absolutely love her,” said Smith, a Colorado-born forward who turns 24. the last
“She's worked every day to build our confidence and show us that she cares about us. She's such a great coach and a great coach.
“We're a very different team and a lot of credit goes to Emma. She clearly explained everyone's roles. We're really excited to have her as our coach for a really long time.
After last year's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, the United States' status as the undisputed global power of the women's game appeared to be slipping away for a while after an excellent Spain team led by Aitana Bonmati was crowned champion.
But Spain missed out on the title and Olympic gold in the UEFA Nations League after suffering a shock 4-2 defeat to Brazil in the semi-finals on Tuesday in Marseille.
Instead the Brazilians will face the United States in the gold medal game and will be looking to make it third time lucky after losing to the same opposition in the Athens final in 2004 and Beijing in 2008.
Both those finals were won by the United States in extra time, and both featured Brazilian legend and multiple FIFA Player of the Year winner Marta.
Now 38, she is making her sixth and possibly final Olympic appearance, and is hoping to add gold to her two silver medals.
Marta missed both the quarter-final against hosts France and the semi-final against Spain due to suspension after being sent off for a reckless challenge in Brazil's final group game against the Spanish.
“Now she will be able to finish her Olympic finals, where she deserves. I hope she can win the gold medal,” said Gabi Portilho, who scored in both the quarterfinals and semifinals.
It remains to be seen whether the final will be Marta's farewell to the international stage for his country, or whether he could be tempted to continue until the 2027 World Cup, which will be hosted by Brazil.
“Marta has changed the game of football around the world,” said Rodman of Marta, who has spent much of his club career in the United States.
“He's such a brilliant football player but also a great human being. I've always looked up to him. He has a legacy forever, but we want that gold.
