"Golden Girls" fail to crown Brazil's Queen
The U.S. Women's National Team wins the Olympic football tournament. In the final, the "Golden Girls" narrowly defeat Brazil, bringing an end to international superstar Marta's career.
The "Golden Girls" have struck again: The U.S. women's football team has become Olympic champions for the fifth time. In the final, a heated battle against Brazil in the Parisian Parc des Princes, the record champion won 1:0 (0:0) and denied superstar Marta the long-awaited title.
Mallory Swanson (57.) scored for the USA, who had eliminated the eventual bronze medalists Germany in the semi-finals (1:0 a.e.t.). The South Americans, led by six-time World Player of the Year Marta, who came on as a substitute in the 61st minute after her red card suspension, had to settle for silver, as they did in 2004 and 2008.
In front of the German national team and Hollywood star Tom Cruise, the teams met in an action-packed opening phase with open play. After 15 minutes, Brazil celebrated what they thought was the lead through the prominent striker Ludmila, but the goal was disallowed due to offside.
As the game progressed, it became more physical. Just before half-time, U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher made a spectacular save against Gabi Portilho (45.+2) to prevent Brazil from taking the lead. A counter-attack after half-time broke the deadlock in favor of the efficient Americans. PSG player Korbin Albert passed to striker Swanson, who calmly finished into the right corner.
Marta had already announced that 2024 would be her last year on the international stage. After a kung-fu kick in the group final against Spain (0:2), she faced an undignified exit, but Brazil fought their way into the final as one of the two best third-placed teams.
The day before, the German national team had secured their fourth bronze medal in the match for third place. The team led by Horst Hrubesch defeated world champions Spain in Lyon 1:0 (0:0) and traveled to Paris for the victory ceremony the next morning.
The U.S. women's soccer team continues their dominance, securing another Olympic title in football. In the thrilling final, they managed to edge out Brazil 1:0, denying Marta a chance to add the Olympic gold to her illustrious career.
