Emma Hayes got her career as coach of the U.S. women’s national soccer team off to a flying start after the Americans captured the Olympic title with a 1-0 victory over Brazil on Saturday.
Mallory Swanson sealed the match in the second half with a strong performance from the USA.
Hayes took over the USWNT after they were knocked out of last year’s World Cup in the round of 16. The team looked rejuvenated under the England woman, winning all five of their games in Saturday’s final, although the last two went into extra time.
“I’m very emotional. It’s a dream of mine to be in this position,” Hayes said after the game. “I have to thank my dad because he’s the one who pushed me to this point to be able to coach an incredible group of players who have welcomed me so well and have taken on everything I’ve asked them to do. They’re great people and players and role models. Yeah, I love them.”
The victory also marks the fifth Olympic gold medal for the US in women’s soccer, and their first since 2012.
Marta, Brazil’s brilliant captain who was almost certainly playing her last major tournament, had to settle for silver. Despite one of the best careers in women’s football history, she has never won a World Cup or Olympic title.
Brazil had chances, but were thwarted several times by American goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, with Adriana making a one-handed save deep into injury time.
The full story follows…