PARIS: A resurgent US national team under new coach Emma Hayes hopes to re-establish itself as a force in international women's soccer by winning gold in Saturday's Olympic final against Brazil and legendary captain Marta.
The United States enters the Olympics with a refreshed national team that has something to prove after a dismal showing at last year's World Cup, where they were eliminated in the round of 16.
They have also underperformed in the last two Olympics, failing to win a medal in Rio in 2016 before winning bronze in Tokyo three years ago.
The arrival of England coach Hayes from Chelsea has given the US team the boost it needs, and they have also been inspired by an exciting front three of Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson and Trinity Rodman on their way to the final.
They have scored three goals each in the tournament, with the USA winning all three of their group stage matches against Zambia, Germany and Australia before taking on both Japan and Germany in extra time in the knockout round.
They are now hoping to extend their women's football record by winning four gold medals and winning their first title since London 2012.
“Emma came in really early to this tournament so we knew it was going to be a challenge, but she came in really well and we love her,” said Smith, the Colorado forward who turned 24 on the day of the final.
“She works every day to build trust with us and show us that she cares. She’s a great coach and a great mentor.
“We are a completely different team and a big credit to Emma. She has communicated the roles of everyone very clearly. We are very excited that she will be our coach for a long time.”
The United States’ position as the undisputed powerhouse in global women’s soccer seemed to have evaporated for a while after last year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, when Spain, a superb team led by Aitana Bonmati, were crowned champions.
However, Spain missed out on Olympic gold and the UEFA Nations League after a shock 4-2 defeat to Brazil in Tuesday's semi-final in Marseille.
But it's Brazil who will face the United States in the gold medal match, and they will be trying to get third time lucky, having lost to the same opponents in the finals in Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008.
Both finals were extra-time victories by the United States, and both featured Brazilian legend and multiple FIFA World Player of the Year winner Marta.
Now 38, she is competing in her sixth and likely final Olympics, and she hopes to add to her two silver medals.
Marta missed Brazil's quarterfinal win over hosts France and their semifinal clash with Spain due to suspension after being sent off for a reckless challenge in Brazil's final group game against Spain.
“She can now finish her Olympic career with a final that she deserves. I hope she wins gold,” said Gabi Portillo, 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 will be tempted to play until the 2027 World Cup, which will be hosted by Brazil.
“Marta has changed football all over the world,” Rodman said of Marta, who spent most of her career playing for clubs in the United States.
“She is a very talented footballer but also a good person. I have always looked up to her as a role model. She is an unforgettable legend. But we need that gold medal.”
