The U.S. women’s national team has one final hurdle to overcome before they can claim Olympic glory. The USWNT and Brazil will meet for the third time in an Olympic gold medal match on Saturday, with the two programs in completely different places in their respective developmental cycles. Brazil are saying farewell to the iconic face of their program, after Marta announced 2024 would be her final year with the national team. The United States welcomed new head coach Emma Hayes just three months ago, and her roster of several first-time Olympians will compete for a potential fifth gold medal — the first gold medal match for the team since 2012.
The USWNT is coming off a 1-0 extra-time win against Germany, while Brazil eliminated Spain, 4-2, during the semifinal round. Germany defeated Spain for the bronze medal on Friday, and the remaining medals will be decided between Brazil and the United States. It’ll be the 41st all-time meeting between the two rivals and the U.S. lead the series 32W-5D-3L. More recent fixtures between the two sides have been decided by narrow scores, the gold medal match will be the second game between them in 2024. The North and South Americans faced off in the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup final in March, and the USWNT claimed the trophy before Hayes joined the sidelines.
The believe-ball meter is off the charts for both sides, so who will claim the top spot on the podium? Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming match:
Golazo Starting XI Newsletter
Viewing information
- Date: Saturday, Aug. 10 | Time: 11 a.m. ET
- Location: Parc des Princes — Paris, France
- TV: USA Network, Telemundo | Live stream: Fubo (try for free)
- Odds: USA +100; Draw +200; Brazil +380
USWNT lineup projection
USWNT starting XI: Alyssa Naeher, Emily Fox, Naomi Girma, Emily Sonnett, Crystal Dunn, Sam Coffey, Lindsey Horan, Rose Lavelle, Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, Trinity Rodman
Storylines
USWNT: There’s plenty of good spirits coming out of training according to head coach Emma Hayes. The USWNT manager told media in France that the group is trying to balance out tired legs with lightened camaraderie including karaoke and puzzle building. Hayes has only been with the group for three months, and the group is playing with joy and confidence heading into the gold medal match with outstanding defensive performances by center back Naomi Girma and goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher and clutch goalscoring from the offense.
Forwards Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, and Trinity Rodman have introduced themselves to global audiences as the definitive USWNT top line and the attacking trio has been unstoppable this tournament.
Brazil: The squad will be motivated by their knockout round performances against tournament hosts France and the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup champions Spain. Head coach Arthur Elias has placed his confidence in local domestic players while Brazilian legend Marta served a two-game red card suspension for a high boot. The program has shown signs of transition, capable of production in big moments without their biggest star, and her return could present some tactical questions for the coaching staff. Will they start Marta or not?
Prediction
It’s an entirely different version of the rivalry now and it will likely feel that way on match day. Brazil will bring the skill and will with a tough game but the USWNT’s steady defense and clinical attack will push through. Pick: USWNT 2, Brazil 0
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