PARIS (AP) — The U.S. women’s soccer team won its fifth Olympic gold medal by defeating Brazil 1-0 on Mallory Swanson’s early second-half goal in the tournament’s final on Saturday at Paris Games.

The Americans, who had not won gold since the 2012 Olympic Games in London, finished their first international season under new coach Emma Hayes undefeated and took the title.

Goalkeeper Alyssa Naheher secured the win by making a one-handed save from Adriana’s header in injury time at the Parc des Princes. At the final whistle, the US players celebrated as Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA” played in the stadium.

The loss is another heartbreak for Brazil and its Cult star MartaThe six-time world footballer has never won a Women’s World Cup or Olympic Games. This is likely to be her last major international tournament.

It was the third time the United States has beaten Brazil in an Olympic final. The Americans also defeated the Brazilians in Athens in 2004 and four years later in Beijing.

Brazil has never finished better than second at the Olympic Games.

“I’m very emotional. It’s always been my dream to be in this position,” said Hayes, a London native. “I have to thank my dad because he’s brought me all the way here, to coach an incredible group of players who have welcomed me so well and accepted everything I’ve asked for. They’re great people, players and role models. Yes, I love them.”

Three years ago in Tokyo, the USA had to settle for the bronze medal. At the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, the Americans were eliminated in the quarterfinals.

Swanson scored her goal in the 57th minute in her 100th game for the United States.

Among the spectators were Tom Cruise and former US soccer star Megan Rapinoe.

The USA also won gold in the first women’s soccer tournament at the Olympic Games at the 1996 Atlanta Games.

Brazil finished third in their group in France and secured one of two third places in the knockout rounds.

Marta was competing in her sixth Olympic Games. Her first was in 2004 – when she was just 18 – and she won silver. But she started the game on the bench after being suspended for two games for a hard foul on Spain’s Olga Carmona in the team’s final group match.

Hayes was appointed coach of the USA in November but did not join the team until May to finish the season at Chelsea and lead the team to a fifth consecutive Women’s Super League title.

Hayes was tasked with turning around the U.S. team, which suffered an unprecedented early exit from the Women’s World Cup last summer, and despite her short time with the Americans, she quickly developed good chemistry within the young team, particularly with forwards Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman and Swanson.

The trio scored 10 of the US’s 12 goals in France.

Brazil had the best chances at the start. Ludmila was alone in front of the goal in the second minute, but her shot flew straight into Naeher’s arms.

Ludmila seemed to hit the top corner in the 16th minute, but was offside.

In the 25th minute, Swanson launched a counterattack down the left flank, but Brazilian goalkeeper Lorena easily parried her shot.

Naeher kept the game goalless at half-time by punching away Gabi Portilho’s shot in first-half injury time.

Brazilian midfielder Vitoria Yaya had to leave the field early in the second half due to an injury.

Even after Swanson’s goal, the USA remained dangerous. Smith almost scored in the 66th minute, but her attempt went wide.

Lindsey Horan hammered a free kick into the wall in the 82nd minute after Tarciane Smith had fouled just outside the penalty area.

Hayes made one change to her lineup for the final, starting Korbin Albert in place of Rose Lavelle. With an average age of 26.7, it was the second-youngest U.S. team to start in a gold medal game. The average age of the team that started in the 1996 final was 25.8.

The USA reached the final with a 1-0 overtime win over Germany in Lyon, with Smith scoring the only goal.

Brazil secured their place with a wild 4-2 win over women’s world champions Spain.

Germany won the tournament’s bronze medal with a 1-0 victory over Spain in Lyon on Friday.

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AP Olympiad: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games