Julius OkorieBrazil and United States will climax the battle in the women football event of the 33rd Olympics 10th August 2024 (today) at the Parc des Princes, Paris.
The Gold medal match can best be described as battle of the titans as both teams are no pushovers in women football. The meeting of the two sides will be the 41st time, an indication that they are not strange bed fellows.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe USA with four Olympic Gold in the kitty are looking to add a fifth one to further garnish their list of accomplishments, and would be Emma Hayes’s first major title in charge since joining just over two months ago.
As for Brazil winning, it will be a splendid way of giving their greatest player, Marta, a remarkable sent forth as she bows out in style. Not only that it would be an opportunity for the Seleção’ to earn their first Olympic Gold in women football.
In March, the pair met in the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup finale, which was decided by a first-half header from Lindsey Horan to clinch the tournament title.
Prior to that, it was a 2-1 contest in the SheBelieves Cup at the turn of 2023, which once more, was in the favour of the United States.
Alex Morgan, not on the Olympic roster, and Mallory Swanson both scored, while Ludmila bagged a late consolation.
Saturday’s game marks the third meeting at the Games. The first coming 20 years ago was at Athens 2004, which also happened to be Marta’s first appearance in this tournament.
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She went on to score three goals, helping the South Americans to the final against the USA.
But it was the latter who were victorious in a 2-1 win to secure their second ever gold medal.
They met again four years later at Beijing 2008, once more in the final. But Marta’s Brazil had to settle for silver for Silver again after losing 1-0.
The Brazilian ladies have an herculean task if they are to overcome United States today for their first ever Olympic Gold.
Can Brazil Touch Gold Today, Or Will It Be Business As Usual For USA?
With 32 wins for United States, three wins for Brazil and five draws in 41 meetings, the odds certainly favours the Americans, but like they say in football you never say never until the final whistle.
But for lovers of the game, the match billed for 5pm, will certainly be full of fireworks. Germany clinched the Bronze medal on Friday after edging reigning World Cup champions, Spain in a very tough encounter that saw Germany emerge victorious, thanks to a penalty converted by Giulia Gwinn.
The men football event is done and dusted, with Spain claiming Gold after beating host, France, 5-3 while Morocco claim Bronze, after 6-0 demolition of Egypt. The 33rd Olympics ends Sunday, 11th August.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
