For the first time since 2012, the United States women's national team will be playing for an Olympic gold medal after defeating Germany 1-0 in the semifinals of the Paris Olympics on Tuesday, and it will be facing a familiar foe. In the final on Saturday, the USWNT will face longtime rival Brazil, which trounced reigning World Cup winners Spain 4-2 in Tuesday's other semifinal. 🇧🇷 BRAZIL VS.
USA 🇺🇸The women's gold-medal match is set 🍿 pic.twitter.com/vChIw749kI The Americans will be surely motivated to return to the top of the podium for the first time since the London Games 12 years ago, but it won't be easy.
After losing 2-0 to Spain in a group-stage match, Brazil bounced back in epic fashion. An own goal got the scoring started in the sixth minute for Brazil, and Gabi Portilho put in another goal right before halftime to give the team a 2-0 lead. Adriana buried the dagger in the 71st minute, and Kerolin added an insurance goal in stoppage time after Salma Paralluelo got Spain on the board in the 85th minute.
The USWNT has had recent success against Brazil, including a 1-0 win in the 2024 Concacaf Gold Cup final. Brazil will be motivated to avenge that loss and to make matters more interesting, the legendary Marta will be returning from her two-game ban in the Olympic final and will be looking to end her storied career in a big way. 200 appearances with Brazil and legendary Marta has never won a major international trophy.
She'll be going for gold against the.