USWNT's Dream Run To Olympic Final Led By Emma Hayes Faces Brazil

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Emma Hayes is aiming for gold in her first tournament leading the USWNT, describing their journey to the Olympics final as a dream come true. The United States will face Brazil in Saturday's final at the Parc des Princes, a repeat of the 2004 and 2008 finals, both won by the US. Hayes, appointed as Vlatko Andonovski's successor in May, has secured eight wins and one draw in her nine games in charge, with her team scoring 19 goals and conceding just two.

Brazil is seeking its first gold in women's football at the Games, buoyed by Marta's return for her final international match on Saturday. The 38-year-old missed the quarter and semi-finals due to a red card in Brazil's last group game against Spain. Marta has scored 121 goals in 203 appearances for Brazil and became the first player to score in five consecutive Olympics with her brace against Japan.

Hayes transitioned from Chelsea to the US women's national team swiftly, calling it a whirlwind experience. "Going from my beloved Chelsea to the US women's national team - what a whirlwind and what a dream all at once," Hayes said. She concluded her time with Chelsea by winning another Women's Super League title before taking on this new challenge.

Reflecting on Marta's career, Hayes recalled coaching against her when she was assisting Vic Akers at Arsenal. "When I was a young coach assisting Vic Akers at Arsenal, we played a Women's Cup two-legged final against Umea, the Swedish champions, and they had a young Marta," Hayes said. "I remember being on the touchline thinking, 'Oh my goodness, who is this extraordinary player?'"

Team USA aims to win its first gold medal since London 2012 after securing bronze in Tokyo three years ago. Despite winning 16 major titles during her tenure at Chelsea, Hayes remains eager to add more trophies while maintaining her unbeaten start with Team USA. "I like winning; it's part of my DNA," Hayes stated. "I'm with a team that likes winning so of course our goal is to win the gold medal."

Marta has been an inspiration both on and off the pitch. "To witness what she's done on the pitch, I think she's been more than a role model and icon; she's been the best player," Hayes noted. "What she's done for Brazil or the generation coming through, she's been an inspiration."

The USWNT's strong bond is evident as they prepare for their crucial match against Brazil. Their journey under Hayes' leadership has been marked by resilience and determination.

The upcoming final promises to be an exciting clash between two formidable teams, each with its own set of motivations and history.