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The machine wins the spin. In her first act as manager of the United States, Emma Hayes returned the leading force in the women’s game back to the gold medal position.
Their first Olympic title in 12 years and fifth overall followed a period in which the United States lost their dominant position. In less than three months, Hayes has managed to remind them of what they are when imprinting his own personal stamp. At the Parc des Princes, Brazil had the most chances, the most threats. The U.S. suffered but held on, the win secured through a Mallory Swanson goal early in the second half and a late save by Alyssa Naeher.
He made sure there would be no fairy tale ending for Marta. A Brazilian football icon and six-time women’s world player of the year, the 38-year-old now retires without a major title for her country that she has long wanted, and a brilliant career.
Hayes has “no more drops to give” after 12 years at Chelsea ended just 83 days ago. But the morning after winning five successive Women’s Super League titles at Old Trafford, her adventure with the United States began.
Tired of the demands of club football, he sought a better work-life balance and spent more time with his young son, but the Olympics came first. What better way to start one of the most demanding jobs in world football than to start a journey in a major international tournament, tasked with the mission of returning to the top?
The United States is ready to wait for Hayes after a disastrous World Cup in 2023, where he crashed out in the last 16 and was lucky enough to even make it this far. The fourth title has been a satisfying one, with too many in the team opting for a reputation for past success.
As a series winner with Chelsea, Hayes was seen as an outstanding managerial candidate to replace the sacked Vlatko Andonovski and as a hard-nosed leader to make the tough decisions required.
Hayes finally moved the United States forward. From the Olympic squad they left out 34-year-old Alex Morgan, allowing the forward line of Swanson, Sophia Smith and Trinity Rodman to take center stage.
He gave a chance to previously overlooked players, such as Sam Coffey, who was outstanding in the Olympic final. And Hayes also made bold choices like including the controversial Korbin Albert in her Olympic squad. Albert has been booed by many in the United States following his anti-LGBTQ social media activities. In support of him, Hayes said the 20-year-old had to be shown “tough love” – ​​brought into the team, he would have played a part in Swanson’s winning goal.
It’s a searing evening in Paris. Brazil could score in two minutes when the striker Ludmila broke into the box but shot directly to Naeher, after a ricochet, a quick clearance, the kind of chance that would encapsulate a scrappy, untidy half. Brazil constantly threaten something without being able to convince. Ludmila beat Naeher but offside. Adriana is down in the box below the tangle with Crystal Dunn but is not given. Gabi Portilho ran towards goal from the near post but found Naeher waiting.
The United States offers a little both of the movement and pace of the front three, the blue and red shoots that are constantly looking for a dart in the back. But they made it to halftime and Hayes was able to regroup. They changed their shape to counter the Brazilian wing, with Lindsey Horan pushing one nine between Swanson and Smith, with Rodman providing more support to Emily Fox at right back.
Classic Hayes: confident, unhurried, calmly turning the game into a game the team can control. In a decisive moment, Brazil wasted in midfield but Albert found a pass from halfway. Smith was offside but Swanson eased into the path of the ball to finish past the Lorena goalkeeper.
Marta came. He thought his career was over, sent off against Spain in the final group stage game and suspended for the quarter-finals and semi-finals. His teammates kept their dream alive, beating France and Spain to reach the Olympic final.
Still they pressed, never allowing the US to get comfortable, but nothing came out. Marta stands over the free kick but it is deflected, the cross is beaten, the frustration rises. Adriana had a golden chance in extra time, but her header was saved by Naeher’s smart positioning. This ensured that the United States were champions again, Hayes had won at the international level – a dream partnership for a perfect start in Paris.
