THE GOLD MEDAL MATCH 🇺🇲🇧🇷🥇

Pre-match reading from the Parc des Princes in Paris

— Paris

510 minutes of soccer, six games in 16 days, back-to-back extra time mentality tests, three cities spread across a big old country– the undulating waves of momentum and fatigue that carried you through them— and then it’s just you and the Parc des Princes.

90 minutes guaranteed, more beyond that if necessary, stand between the USWNT and what could be the program’s fifth gold medal. Though, notably, nobody on this specific team has a gold medal to their name.

When Mallory Swanson was asked what it means to be playing in today’s gold medal match in Paris, she told those of us in Lyon, “It means it's closer. The goal is closer, but the job's not done yet.”

When the US beat Germany 1-0 thanks to an extra-time goal from Sophia Smith, the field erupted in celebration. Players jumped into the arms of veteran goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, not simply with relief— but joy. They knew they’d take home a medal. They’d have the chance to fight for gold. 

In an accident of time nobody on the team realized (They’ve all moved on, they’ll emphasize it for you again), that moment came precisely one year to the day they lost to Sweden in a dramatic penalty shootout in Melbourne, marking the program’s earliest-ever defeat in a World Cup. 

Inimitable center-back Naomi Girma (the first to run back into Alyssa Naeher’s arms that warm night in Lyon) on the difference a year makes: “I think it just shows the growth of this team. I think last year, a lot of us were transitioning in. And now we've been on the national team. We've played at the international level for a lot longer, and understand what it takes to win here. And I think we have a special group in this Olympics.”

Brazil is a familiar opponent for the US. This afternoon in Paris is their 41st meeting, with the most recent being a 1-0 win for the US in the W Gold Cup final in March (a headed goal from Lindsey Horan did the trick). Since women’s footy was introduced to the Olympic Games in 1996, this is a remarkable third time the gold medal match is a USA vs Brazil test, with the US taking gold in both previous meetings (2004, 2008). 

As I type this to you, staring out at a still relatively empty Parc des Princes– that distinct red Eiffel Tower logo beneath 24 flags of Olympic Football participants staring back at me– there’s a maze of sidewalk cafes outside, covered with fans from both teams. Music, dancing, milling, cheese. The closing scenes of various other sports (volleyball, then handball) on the televisions around them.

Both teams compete for gold after falling far short of their aspirations in the World Cup last year. Alongside the US’ historic loss, Brazil departed Australia in the group. And, like the US, Brazil has undergone emphatic evolution since that day. That includes (for both sides) ushering the younger generation along, and bringing in a new coach.

A few questions may decide today’s game…