The U.S. women's national team will have a place on the podium on Saturday but the color of the medal will be up to them. The USWNT will meet Brazil in the 2024 Paris Olympic gold medal final at Parc des Princes in Paris, France. It will be the third time the two sides will play in an Olympic championship final. Both national teams are in transitional phases and looking to take the next step in their respective programs. New U.S. head coach Emma Hayes and her group are back in a final after just three months on the job as manager. Brazil will have longtime legend Marta back in the squad after she served a two-game red card suspension.
The "believe ball" meter is off the charts headed into this game, with both sides motivated and hungry for the gold medal. So what are some areas where the USWNT can capitalize on during the marquee match?
How to watch and odds
Here's how you can watch the upcoming gold medal match:
- Date: Saturday, Aug. 10 | Time: 11 a.m. ET
- Location: Parc des Princes -- Paris, France
- TV: USA Network, Telemundo | Live stream: Fubo (try for free)
- Odds: USA +100; Draw +200; Brazil +380
Here are three keys to gold for the USWNT:
Keep the tactical fluidity
Head coach Emma Hayes hasn't shied away from making in-game adjustments for the squad if things aren't working. We have seen a number of tactical shifts this tournament, fluctuating to three in the back at times, a midfield double pivot, a front line double nine, or even pushing a forward lower for more playmaking. The players have responded to the challenges and now find themselves prepared to compete for a gold medal.
In the knockout rounds Brazil head coach Aurther Elias has also gone with formational changes to start games but has stuck to their game plan throughout. The players have performed well while Marta was serving a two-game suspension, and while her return will be welcomed, will it present a disruption in tactics for the coaching staff that they're less prepared for?
Contain Angelina
There will be plenty of eyes on Marta and that could be exactly what Brazil want to ensure that Angelina can continue her reign in the midfield. Brazil's middle third has given inspired performances on the pitch during the quarterfinals and semifinals, exhibiting relentless efforts in counter-pressing scenarios and facilitating quick transitions. Orlando Pride's Angelina has been a key feature in the elevated play for the midfield.
She delivered a spirited performance against Spain during the semifinal, covering lots of ground, and was a connective presence during transitional moments. Her familiarity with Orlando Pride teammates Adriana, and Marta, has only increased her impact on the pitch for Brazil.
Keep the confidence through physicality
A combination of coaching philosophy and player chemistry, the USWNT are playing with a confidence that was missing during the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, and it's led on the pitch by the attacking trio of Mallory Swanson, Sophia Smith, and Trinity Rodman. Swanson's absence last summer due to knee surgery meant another blow to the U.S. offense, a rapidly elevated profile for Rodman in the player pool, and the pressure of expectations for first-time World Cup debutant players.
Now the trio is getting a chance to play together for the first time at a major international championship after just two years of training camps together. Throughout the tournament their connection has brought confidence, goals, and a delivered promise of a bright future. Brazil will bring a physical game, along with technicality on the ball, and it'll be crucial to keep composure while generating offense.
