Emma Hayes underlined her status as one of the best coaches in the women’s game by leading the United States to Olympic football gold in her first tournament in charge.
The 47-year-old Englishwoman only took over little under three months ago, but has transformed a transitional US team into Olympic champions.
Mallory Swanson’s composed second-half finish was enough to secure the Americans’ first Olympic gold since 2012 – and fifth overall.
An entertaining encounter at a sweltering Parc des Princes had not produced the goal that it deserved until Swanson beat the off-side trap and coolly slotted beneath Brazil keeper Lorena.
Brazil almost snatched an equaliser early in the 10 minutes of injury time when Adriana saw her diving header clawed away by US keeper Alyssa Naeher.
But they were unable to create any more opportunities as their wait for a first international women’s title goes on.
Hayes transforms US to former glories
When Hayes received a call about the US job, she described how she was left “stunned for a couple of days” at the prospect of taking over one of the most iconic roles in women’s football.
Sure the aura of the world’s once-dominant team had faded in recent years, but the lustre of restoring glory to the powerhouse of the game remained.
Hayes, who left Chelsea as their most-decorated head coach after winning 14 trophies in a sensational 12-year tenure, warned the revival would take time.
Last year, the US recorded their worst performance at a Women’s World Cup when they were knocked out by Sweden in the last 16.
Slipping to fifth in the world rankings was an unwanted nadir.
But Hayes has already managed to build a style of play, added to a team spirit underpinned by her British humour, which has proved successful.
Hayes instantly hugged her coaching staff at the final whistle as the rest of the bench raced onto the pitch with Bruce Springsteen classic ‘Born in the USA’ blaring out.
