USA beat Brazil to win gold in women's football at Paris Olympics

Mallory Swanson scored the winning goal in the second half as the United States Women National Team (USWNT) won gold for the fifth time in the history of the Olympic Game. 

The match, honoured at the Parc des Princes in Paris, France, was goalless at half-time before Mallory Swanson gave USA the lead just shy of the hour mark.

Despite both sides coming close to scoring, an off-side goal by Ludmila and two crucial saves by Alyssa Naeher keeps the score locked at 0-0 at half time.

Brazil began the second half, looking to win its maiden gold medal in women’s soccer at the Olympic Games however, on its way, stands the USWNT, the most successful team in the competition.

In the 47th minute, Brazil attacked along the right flank, through Portilho, but the USWNT makes a timely challenge to deny her into the box.

Just when Brazil was looking to press USA, Coach Emma Hayes’ girls attacked against the run of play, with Swanson getting a through ball along the left. She cuts to her right and then beats Lorena to find the breakthrough for the USWNT.

New USWNT manager Emma Hayes has made an instant impact after she was brought in following her successful spell at Chelsea. 

It was heartbreak for Brazil icon Marta in her last Olympics.

USA, the most successful team in women’s football at the Olympics, was the winner of the inaugural edition in 1996 and had previously beaten Brazil in the final in 2008.