PARIS: A resurgent United States under new coach Emma Hayes hopes to re-establish itself as a leading force in women's international soccer by winning gold in Saturday's Olympic final against Brazil and its legendary captain Marta.
The United States came into the Olympics with a rejuvenated team and a point to prove after their poor showing at last year's World Cup, where they were eliminated in the round of 16.
They have also underperformed in each of the last two Olympics, missing out on medals in Rio 2016 and bronze in Tokyo three years ago.
But the arrival of renowned English coach Hayes from Chelsea has given the United States the boost they need, and they have been inspired by the exciting attacking trio of Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson and Trinity Rodman on their way to the final.
They have each scored three goals in the tournament, and the United States won all three group games against Zambia, Germany and Australia before knocking off Japan and Germany in overtime in the knockout round.
Now they hope to add to their record four golds in women's football and win the title for the first time since London 2012.
“But he came in so early before the tournament so we knew it was going to be a challenge, but he's just flown in and we absolutely love him,” said Colorado-born forward Smith, who turns 24 on matchday. we have final
He has worked every day to build our trust and show us that he cares. He is a great coach and a great coach.
We are a completely different team and a lot of credit goes to Emma. He has clearly stated everyone's role. We are really excited to have him as our coach for a long time.”
After last year's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, when a brilliant Spain team led by Aitana Bomati won the title, the United States' position as the undisputed world power of the women's game appeared to be gone for a while.
However, Spain fell short in their quest to add Olympic gold to their title and UEFA Nations League after a shock 4-2 defeat by Brazil in the semi-finals on Tuesday in Marseille.
Instead, it's the Brazilians who will face the USA in the gold medal match and will be third time lucky after losing to the same opponents in the finals in Athens in 2004 and in Beijing in 2008.
Both finals were won by the United States in extra time, with Brazil legend and FIFA Player of the Year winner Marta in both games.
Now 38, he is in his sixth and likely final Olympics and is hoping to sign off with gold to go with his two silver medals.
Marta missed both the quarter-final win over hosts France and the semi-final against Spain through suspension after being sent off for a reckless challenge in Brazil's last group game, also against Spain.
Now he can finish his Olympics by playing in the final, where he deserves to be. “I hope he can win the gold,” said Gabby Portillio, 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 her country, or whether she can be tempted to the 2027 World Cup, which will be hosted by Brazil.
“Marta has changed the game of soccer around the world,” Rodman said of Marta, who spent most of her club career in the United States.
He is a talented footballer but also a great human being. I have always looked up to him. “He has a legacy that will last forever, but we want that gold.”
