PARIS: A resurgent United States under new coach Emma Hayes hopes to re-establish itself as the leading force in international women's soccer by claiming the gold medal in Saturday's Olympic final against Brazil and their legendary skipper Marta.
The United States came into the Olympics with a rejuvenated squad and a point to prove after a poor showing at last year's World Cup, where they were eliminated in the round of 16.
They also performed below par at each of the last two Olympics, finishing out of the medals in Rio 2016 before taking bronze three years ago in Tokyo.
But the arrival of well-known English coach Hayes from Chelsea has given the USA the boost they needed, and they have been inspired on the way to the final by the exciting attacking trio of Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson and Trinity Rodman.
They have scored three goals each in the tournament, with the USA winning all three group stage matches against Zambia, Germany and Australia before sending both Japan and the Germans to overtime in the knockout rounds.
Now they hope to add to their women's football record of four golds and win the title for the first time since London 2012.
“Emma came in so soon before this tournament, so we knew it was going to be a challenge, but she just came flying in and we absolutely love her,” said Smith, the Colorado-born forward who turns 24 on the day of the final.
“She's worked every day to build our confidence and show us that she cares about us. She's such a great coach and such a great mentor.
“We are a completely different team and much of the credit goes to Emma. She has communicated everyone's roles very clearly. We are really happy that she will be our coach for a really long time.”
The United States' position as the undisputed global powerhouse of the women's game appeared to be gone for a while after last year's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, when a brilliant Spanish side led by Aitana Bonmati were crowned champions.
However, Spain missed out on their bid to add Olympic gold to that title and the UEFA Nations League after they were surprisingly beaten 4-2 by Brazil in Tuesday's semi-final in Marseille.
Instead, it's the Brazilians who face the USA in the gold medal game and they'll be looking to make it a third time after losing to the same opponents in the finals in Athens in 2004 and in Beijing in 2008.
Both those finals were won by the USA in extra time, and both featured Marta, the Brazilian legend and multiple winner of the FIFA World Player of the Year award.
Now 38, she is participating in her sixth and likely last Olympics, and she hopes to sign off with gold for her two silver medals.
Marta missed both the quarter-final win against hosts France and the semi-final against Spain due to suspension after being sent off for a reckless challenge in Brazil's final group game, also against the Spaniards.
“Now she will be able to finish her Olympics in a final, where she deserves to be. I hope she manages to come away with the gold medal,” said Gabi Portilho, who scored in both the quarterfinals and semifinals.
It remains to be seen whether the final will prove to be Marta's farewell to the international stage for her country, or whether she may be tempted to continue to the 2027 World Cup which Brazil will host.
“Marta has changed the game of soccer around the world,” Rodman said of Marta, who has spent much of her club career in the United States.
“She's such a talented footballer but also a great person. I've always looked up to her. She has a legacy forever, but we want that gold.”
