[Olympic] USWNT Set for Gold Medal Showdown with Brazil at 2024 Olympics
USWNT Set for Showdown with Brazil in Gold Medal Match at 2024 Olympics Tomorrow at 11 a.m. ET
(Paris = Wongeol Jeong) The U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) is on the brink of making history as they prepare to face Brazil in the gold medal match of the 2024 Olympic Women’s Soccer Tournament. The highly anticipated final will take place on Saturday, August 10, at the iconic Parc des Princes in Paris. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. ET (5 p.m. CET), with live coverage available on NBC, Telemundo, and Peacock.
The USWNT is chasing a record fifth Olympic gold medal in women’s soccer, with their last triumph coming in 2012. This appearance marks their sixth Olympic final in eight tournaments, and their 11th final in 17 world championship appearances overall. Standing in their way is Brazil, a familiar and formidable opponent. The two teams have met in the Olympic final twice before, with the U.S. emerging victorious in both Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008.
Fans can follow the match and all the excitement of the Olympics via X (formerly Twitter @USWNT), Instagram (@USWNT), Facebook, and the official U.S. Soccer App.
Path to the Final
The USWNT’s journey to the final has been marked by intense and dramatic encounters. Their semifinal clash against Germany was no exception, with the Americans securing a 1-0 victory in extra time. The decisive moment came in the 95th minute when Mallory Swanson delivered a perfect pass to Sophia Smith, who slotted the ball past the German goalkeeper to secure the win. Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher was instrumental in preserving the clean sheet, making crucial saves in the dying minutes of the match.
Throughout the tournament, the USWNT has demonstrated remarkable resilience, not once trailing in any of their matches. Their tight margins of victory, particularly in the knockout rounds, highlight the competitive nature of the tournament. The semifinal win marked their 11th-ever extra-time match at the Olympics and the second time in history that the USWNT has gone to overtime in back-to-back games at the Olympics. The only other instance occurred in the 2004 Athens Olympics, where they also faced Brazil in the final.
Roster Overview
The USWNT roster for the 2024 Olympics is a blend of experienced veterans and rising stars, showcasing depth in every position. The team’s goalkeepers, Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage) and Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars), have been pivotal to the team’s success. The defensive line includes talents like Tierna Davidson (NJ/NY Gotham FC) and Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave FC), while the midfield is anchored by Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyon, FRA) and Rose Lavelle (NJ/NY Gotham FC). Up front, the formidable attacking force includes Crystal Dunn (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), and Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns FC), all of whom have made significant contributions throughout the tournament.
As the USWNT prepares for the gold medal showdown against Brazil, fans and pundits alike are eagerly anticipating another thrilling chapter in the storied rivalry between these two footballing giants. Will the USWNT reclaim their spot atop the Olympic podium, or will Brazil spoil their quest for a fifth gold medal? All eyes will be on Paris this Saturday.
