Brazil Women 0 – 1 USA Women

Emma Hayes has won Olympic gold in her debut tournament with the USA, leading her side to a 1-0 victory over Brazil in the final of the women’s football.

Mallory Swanson’s composed finish in the 57th minute gave USA the lead after a goalless first half and the Brazilians failed to seriously threaten their goal thereafter.

It was elation for Hayes, but heartbreak for Brazilian legend Marta, who ends her 20-year Olympic career with three silver medals but not that elusive gold.

The first half ended goalless despite some bright attacking play from both sides. Brazil had an early chance through Ludmila but her tame effort from inside the USA box was easily saved.

It looked like redemption for the forward on 16 minutes when she danced past her marker and fired the ball high into Alyssa Naeher’s goal, but the offside flag quickly went up. Minutes later, she stretched to get on the end of Gabi Portilho’s cross but the ball flew agonisingly by.

Struggling to cope with Brazil’s high press, the USA threatened on the counter during the opening period. Midway through the half Swanson burst down the left wing and flicked an effort goalwards but Lorena saved.

While the Brazilian impetus faded after the break, Hayes’ side emerged with added conviction. Swanson raced through again after the break and, with more time to take aim, curled her finish into the far corner from the left-hand side of the box.

Brazilian coach Arthur Elias introduced Marta as they hunted an equaliser, but the 38-year-old struggled to impact the game. It looked to be her moment as she stood over a free-kick in a promising position during the 89th minute but her strike soared well over the bar.

Brazil’s best chance of the second half came four minutes into stoppage time. Adriana headed a delicate chipped cross towards goal but Naeher reacted superbly to claw the effort away.

The sound of the final whistle crowned USA gold medalists for a record fifth time and Hayes a victor in her debut tournament with the side.

Hayes reacts to Olympic triumph

A teary Emma Hayes praised her players as she celebrated a momentous victory.

“I’m very emotional. It’s a dream of mine to be in this position. I want to thank my dad as he’s the one who pushed me to this point, to come and coach an unbelievable group of players who have received me so well and taken on board everything I’ve asked,” she said.

“They are tremendous people, players and role models, I love them.

“I’m so emotional thinking about it. I’ve got my dad’s necklace on, it’s got an American eagle on it. He was with me today and that helped. The crowd were tremendous, Brazil were tremendous. I’m speechless and I’m in shock.”