At the end of six games in 17 days, it all comes down to this: U.S. women’s soccer team versus Brazil in the gold medal game at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

( WATCH LIVE: USA vs BRAZIL in the gold medal game at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris )

Emma Hayes’s revamped USWNT completing over 1,000 passes against Japan in the quarterfinals; the next great attacking trio of Trinity Rodman and Sophia Smith alongside Mallory Swanson; the next great American center back, Naomi Girma; a chance to redeem themselves after last summer’s World Cup Round of 16 loss; the pressure to win gold at the Olympics for the first time since 2012.

The icon Marta, with her 200 appearances, 119 goals, an international career that began in 2002 and a final appearance after being banned from the quarter-finals and semi-finals; Brazil’s brilliant performance in beating world number one Spain 4-2 in the semi-finals after beating hosts France in the quarter-finals; and the European challenge in the knockout stages; a final test to write a fairytale ending.

How to watch USA vs Brazil women’s soccer match live, stream link and start time

Begin: 11 a.m. ET, Saturday (August 10)
Location: Paris – Parc des Princes
TV channel: USA Network
On-line: Watch on Peacock

Focus on USWNT, team news

After comfortably navigating the group stage with nine goals in three games, the U.S. has scored just two of two goals in the knockouts, needing extra time each time. The Americans have played an hour more soccer than Brazil in these Olympics, despite the grueling schedule. Hayes has rotated very little since the tournament began – only out of necessity, injury or suspension. So far, only 13 different players have started in the five games.

Focus on Brazil, team news

In truth, the most intriguing question facing Brazil is: do they dare start the final with Marta on the bench after she has suddenly come on in her absence? Gabi Portilho scored the late winner against France and added a goal and an assist against Spain to secure a place in the starting line-up on Saturday; winger Adriana Leal provided the assist for Portilho’s goal against France and scored one of her own against Spain; the midfield looked lively and energetic, with Angelina and Yaya linking defence with attack. The football they played against Spain was irresistible at times, so Marta is perhaps best suited as a substitute in her final game for the national team. Selectionand maybe she will experience another magical moment in these boots.

Prediction USA vs. Brazil

Fears that the USWNT will simply run out of steam after an hour or so (if not sooner) are very real – six games in two and a half weeks is brutal with a 23-man roster, let alone one with just 18 players. While the starting eleven is virtually unassailable, the lack of quality in depth means it will be up to the stars to carry them once again. The USWNT will constantly struggle to slow Brazil down on counterattacks and because of this, they will answer to anything the Americans throw at them. USA – Brazil 2:2 after extra time, Brazil wins on penalties.