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- USWNT PLAYING FOR A GOLD MEDAL IN PARIS 🥇🇺🇲
USWNT PLAYING FOR A GOLD MEDAL IN PARIS 🥇🇺🇲
PLUS: How Brazil downed reigning World Cup champs
It’s August 7th. Give us four minutes, we give you everything The Women’s Game at the Olympics.
Happy Wednesday, TWG readers! This is really happening, everyone! The USWNT are playing in the GOLD MEDAL MATCH on Saturday! I am so stoked for these players, for this team… watching them this tournament has been such a joy. Witnessing Sophia Smith just fall to the ground after her goal out of sheer relief, joy, and exhaustion — it’s iconic. It’s a feeling these players will NEVER forget.
The way that Naomi Girma, Trinity Rodman, Alyssa Naeher, and honestly, the entire rest of the team are playing right now is truly inspiring. I just sense this internal feeling of joy, optimism, and fortitude from this group that I recognize as a key ingredient to winning. I have this feeling that we are going to win the whole thing… and I cannot wait to watch the celebrations. Olipop shotgun, anybody? 🥤 We wouldn’t be able to get through these Olympics without our friends at Olipop who power everything we do here at The Women’s Game. You can use code TWG20 for 20% off your first order at drinkolipop.com/TWG20.
So here’s the deal — TWG is dropping our last pregame podcast with Becky Sauerbrunn tomorrow which will preview both the bronze medal match between Spain and Germany (happening Friday, 9 a.m. ET) and the gold medal match between the U.S. and Brazil (happening Saturday, 11 a.m ET.) Then, after the gold medal match, I’ll go live one more time right at the final whistle to hopefully celebrate the USWNT as gold medalists. Join me Saturday on TWG’s YouTube channel to react to the game in real time … emotions will be at an all-time high. We also have a Team of the Tournament breakdown coming your way this weekend.
We are already planning such unbelievable content for you post-tournament, so make sure you’re subscribed to our YouTube channel and podcast feed. Better yet, forward this email to a friend who has been loving the Olympics so they can subscribe as well and stay up to date with all things global women’s football. We’re so thankful you’re here and grateful that there’s so much more to come!
Love,
Sam
I. THE USWNT WILL PLAY FOR A GOLD MEDAL IN PARIS 🥇🇺🇲
For the first time since 2012, the U.S. Women’s National Team will compete for an Olympic gold medal this Saturday in Paris. In Emma Hayes’ ninth game in charge, the four-time gold medalists beat Germany 1-0 in Lyon amid 90 degree heat, little recovery, and a second straight 120 minute-match to secure their final berth, and ensure the team a medal. In a match that required another spark of individual magic, Portland Thorns star Sophia Smith broke through the stalemate in extra time with yet another a miraculous goal to secure the historic victory.
Despite losing to the USWNT 4-1 in the group stage, Germany came out undeterred at the Stade de Lyon last evening, challenging the U.S. in a physical and open game that sought to capitalize on U.S. mistakes. But as Germany attacked, veteran goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher and the U.S. defensive line before her proved to be a world class force, with San Diego Wave centerback Naomi Girma their fearless leader. Naeher made seven incredible saves to keep her third clean sheet of the tournament, including this remarkable save by way of her outstretched left foot in the dying minutes. And throughout the match, no matter what broke through the midfield, Naomi Girma was there to clean it up. In the words of Emma Hayes on Girma: “Look, she’s the best defender I've ever seen. Ever. I've never seen a player as good as her in the back."
As the team endures grueling heat, short turnarounds and tough opponents, the USWNT has shown remarkable levels of talent, grit and perseverance to grind out wins in 120-minute matches. Now, just one game stands between them and an Olympic gold medal. That said, Brazil will be ready and motivated as they play for Marta in her final international game. Saturday’s matchup marks the third USA vs. Brazil Olympic final, and the first since 2008. With back-to-back meetings at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics, the USWNT beat Brazil to win gold both times. (Watch LIVE on Saturday at 11 a.m. ET, on USA, Telemundo, and Peacock.) 🇺🇲🇧🇷
II. BRAZIL DOWNS REIGNING WORLD CHAMPIONS SPAIN TO KEEP MARTA DREAM ALIVE 🇧🇷🇪🇸
Paris ‘24 is the final international tournament for Brazil’s inimitable footballing icon from Dois Riachos, Eastern Brazil, Marta. With Marta their talismanic power, As Canarinhas are fired by the desire to deliver glory in her final Games. Last evening in Marseille, they toppled the reigning champions of the world, Spain, to book a spot in the gold medal game in Paris.
Marta watched her team play Spain from the stands, after the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled she would miss two games for her red card offense in the group stage. The anguish of missing that moment surely weighed on the two-time silver medalist now appearing in her sixth Olympics, but the generation of footballers she inspired delivered in her absence once again.
La Roja’s unfortunate day in Marseille began with an own goal. Goalkeeper Cata Coll’s clearance bounced off Irene Paredes into the net, giving Brazil a 1-0 lead in the sixth minute. Corinthians midfielder Gabi Portilho, who scored the match winner against France, made it 2-0 just before the half. Orlando Pride’s Adriana and North Carolina Courage 2023 League MVP Kerolin claimed Brazil’s third and fourth goals, which — combined with Brazilian keeper Lorena’s eight-save performance — were ultimately no match for the reigning champions, who mounted a late comeback following an own-goal from Brazil and goal from Salma Paralluelo to end the match 4-2. Spain now heads to Lyon where they'll face Germany in the bronze medal match. (Watch LIVE on Friday at 9 a.m. ET, on Peacock and Universo.)
With one match left to play in this Olympics, Brazil’s statement 4-2 win over Spain means they’ll play for gold in Paris, and this time with Marta available. The joy on Marta’s face says it all.
III. News and Notes 📰🗞️
a. The inaugural Summer Cup continues stateside, with the knockout round featuring just four NWSL teams after all 14 NWSL sides and 6 Liga MX Femenil teams went head to head in the group stage. In this week's semi-finals, NY/NJ Gotham FC beat Angel City 1-0 by way of a goal from Delanie Sheehan. In the other semi-final, Kansas City Current beat North Carolina Courage 2-0 with goals from Debinha and Temwa Chawinga. Kansas City and Gotham will play in the Summer Cup final October 25 in San Antonio.
IV. Parting Shots 🥃
“I hear this noise, and I'm like, oh my gosh, is that a Mavic Pro?!" New Zealand defender Rebekah Stott told Sam about discovering Canada’s drone at their training on this week’s Friendlies. Catch the full conversation on spygate and more on YouTube. 🕵️
V. Good Reads 📚
From Tom Garry in the Guardian, ‘I’m proud of my journey: Remi Allen on becoming Southampton’s manager at 33’
From Henry Bushnell in Yahoo Sports, ‘I want them to suffer: how Emma Hayes, pain caves, and an ultramarathoner inspired USWNT to Olympic final’
