The Selecao started quickly in Paris, but Mallory Swanson's strike put the USWNT on top of the podium
Marta's Olympic farewell didn't end in the fairytale triumph that she, the whole of Brazil and so many soccer fans across the globe, were all hoping for on Saturday, with the Selecao left rueing missed chances as the U.S. women's national team prevailed 1-0 in the Gold Medal match in Paris.
Arthur Elias' side came out firing and created chances in a first half that had the U.S. looking a little shocked, but Ludmila in particular was guilty of letting those opportunities pass by, despite the new Chicago Red Stars forward doing almost everything else right on a gorgeous afternoon in the French capital.
After striking at USWNT goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher from close range in the opening moments, seeing the offside flag deny her a superb goal little over 10 minutes later and watching two of Gabi Portilho's teasing crosses just evade her, the Brazil star must've been kicking herself when she watched Mallory Swanson calmly and confidently slip Emma Hayes' side into the lead just before the hour mark.
Elias responded with a triple sub that included the introduction of Marta, available again after suspension, albeit that came as the U.S. started to take control of the game, with Trinity Rodman having a good chance to put the result beyond doubt. With the lead still narrow in the dying moments, there was one last, big chance for Adriana to take it to extra time but Naeher came up with a huge stop to ensure it was her and her teammates, rather than Marta and Brazil, that stood on top of the podium in Paris.
GOAL rates Brazil's players from the Parc des Princes in Paris.
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defense
Lorena (7/10):
Made two really strong saves in the first half to cap her superb Olympic tournament. Couldn't do anything about the goal.
Lauren (5/10):
Guilty of a sloppy pass that led to the U.S. goal, which sadly came in an otherwise strong display with some big defensive interventions.
Tarciane (6/10):
Positioning was good to cover in the center, though she wasn't without fault as the opponent turned up the pressure.
Thais (7/10):
Solid and difficult to beat. Regularly on hand to clear any danger.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield
Adriana (6/10):
Worked tirelessly up and down the right, constantly looking to get involved. Had a huge chance to level things up at the end, bringing the best out of Naeher.
Duda Sampaio (7/10):
Was neat and tidy in possession, able to carve out some good openings as part of that, before going off just past the hour.
Yaya (6/10):
Not as involved as she might've wanted to be at times, but worked very hard off the ball despite having to go off prematurely.
Yasmim (7/10):
Had a job on dealing with Rodman but did so admirably, while still managing to get forward plenty.
Getty ImagesAttack
Gabi Portilho (7/10):
Set the tone from the first minute with her high-energy pressing and was a creative outlet down the right.
Jheniffer (5/10):
The quieter of Brazil's front three, though still gave the U.S. defense something to think about with her movement.
Ludmila (6/10):
Brazil's liveliest player throughout, however she should've converted at least a couple of chances as part of that.
Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
Ana Vitoria (6/10):
Replaced Yaya shortly after half time. Near faultless on the ball and worked hard to win possession back often.
Angelina (5/10):
On just past the hour as part of a triple sub. Made some impact, albeit not a huge one.
Marta (5/10):
Had half an hour to have an impact but came on as the U.S. started to get on top, making it difficult to do so.
Priscila (5/10):
On at the same time as Angelina and Marta. Battled hard, winning plenty of duels, but couldn't really get involved to get Brazil back into things.
Arthur Elias (8/10):
Game plan was excellent and had the U.S. on the back foot from the word go. Only thing missing was a goal or two, which was something he couldn't control. Subs might've been more impactful before conceding but, again, that was not entirely up to him.