Brazilian Thais (left) watch as Mallory Swanson (right) of the U.S. attempts a header during the women’s soccer gold medal game between Brazil and the U.S. at the Parc des Princes during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

PARIS – U.S. striker Mallory Swanson ran across the field with tears in her eyes to hug goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher when it was all over.

It was a mixture of joy and relief. The US women’s team had done it and won the gold medal at the rather eventful Olympic Games in Paris.

The tournament began with the drone spying scandal in Canada. Women’s World Champion Spain went home empty-handed. Marta played her last international tournament.

And the USA played with joy in France under new coach Emma Hayes.

For the United States, it was the fifth Olympic gold medal they have won since 2012. At the World Championships last summer, the Americans failed to achieve their worst result ever. As a result, the United States dropped to fifth place in the world rankings, the lowest ranking in their history.

But Hayes, hired by US Soccer to turn things around, led the team to an international title after just 10 personal games. Although she was hired in November, she chose to finish her 12th season with Chelsea before heading to the United States in late May.

The United States remained undefeated on a tour of France that took them to Nice, Marseille, Lyon and Paris, before facing Brazil, a team they beat for the gold medal at the 2004 and 2008 Games, in the final at the Parc des Princes.

Watched by actor Tom Cruise, Vice President Kamala Harris’ husband Doug Emhoff and former national team player Megan Rapinoe, the United States withstood a determined Brazilian attack and claimed a 1-0 victory.

Swanson scored the only goal in the 57th minute after warning teammate Sophia Smith not to touch the ball because she was offside and then slotted it home herself.

Naeher secured the win by making a one-handed save from Adriana’s header in injury time.

“We have a special group. It was really fun to be a part of it,” Said Naher. “I think you saw the unity throughout the tournament and just the togetherness of this team. This team gave everything and fought hard until the end.”

The team was built around its dynamic group of young forwards – Swanson, Smith and Trinity Rodman – who combined to score 10 of the team’s 12 goals in France.

Brazil won its third silver medal after losing all three games in the final against the United States. It was the last international tournament for Marta, the six-time world player who competed in her first of six Olympic Games in 2004 at the age of 18.

Germany, which won gold at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, took the bronze medal in France with a 1-0 victory over Spain.

CANADA DOES WELL DESPITE DRONE SPYING SCANDAL

Before the start of the tournament in France, Canada was embroiled in a drone spying scandal that resulted in coach Bev Priestman being banned for a year.

New Zealand reported a drone hovering over training and authorities arrested a Canadian employee. But as the investigation deepened, Canada Soccer CEO and general secretary Kevin Blue said the surveillance of opponents was systematic.

FIFA fined Canada Soccer, banned Priestman and deducted six points from the Canadian women’s group – a devastating blow.

But Canada won all of its group matches and narrowly made it to the knockout rounds before losing to Germany on penalties in the quarterfinals after a goalless draw.

“I can’t find the tears right because I shed them all in the last week,” Canada’s defender Vanessa Gilles said afterwards: “The fact that we have made it this far is, in my opinion, a testament to the performance of our group.”

GRATEFUL MARTA SAYS GOODBYE

Marta failed to win a title at her last major tournament with Brazil, but left the Olympics grateful for a brilliant career.

The fans at the Parc des Princes understood the moment and gave Marta a standing ovation as she left the field.

“When I look back, I remember everything I had to do. At the age of 14, I left my family behind to pursue my dream of playing football, a sport that was not always considered for women. Today, things are very different and we can say that football is one of the most popular sports and is gaining more and more popularity.” Said Martha. “I can’t feel anything but pride at the moment.”

SPAIN STORMS

Spain entered the Olympics with the goal of becoming the first team to win an Olympic title after winning a World Cup trophy.

Instead, Spain suffered a brutal 4-2 defeat to Brazil in the semi-finals, before Spanish star Alexia Putellas’ attempt to equalise in injury time was blocked by German goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger, setting up a bronze medal match.

“We are leaving without the medal we dreamed of and we have no choice but to keep going. You don’t always win,” said striker Jenni Hermoso. “This team has a lot more to offer. You’re neither the best when you win, nor the worst when you lose.”