The USA women's national soccer team made history on Sunday by defeating Brazil 1-0 in the final of the W Gold Cup. The victory marked the first time in the tournament's history that the US had claimed the title, and it was a fitting end to a thrilling competition.
The match itself was a tense affair, with both teams playing at their best and creating numerous scoring opportunities. However, it was the US who ultimately emerged victorious thanks to a goal from star forward Alex Morgan in the 75th minute. The goal sparked scenes of jubilation among the American players and fans alike, as they celebrated their hard-fought victory
Shaw earned the Golden Ball as the best player of the tournament and goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher earned the Golden Glove as the best goalkeeper. Naeher earned four shutouts in her five starts and etched her place in USWNT history with a stellar three-save performance in the penalty shootout against Canada in the semifinal. The USA also earned the tournament’s Fair Play award.
The first half was a tight and physical contest, but the USA did well to stay organized on defense despite some heavy challenges as the teams combined for 12 fouls before the break. The Americans came close to opening the scoring on a few occasions while also doing well to create opportunities on counter attacks. The USA finally created a goal in first half stoppage time when Horan finished off a long cross from Fox that came deep from the right flank. Horan rose above her defender and sent a perfect header across the frame into the right corner, marking her third goal of the tournament and her first from open play after previously burying two from the penalty spot.
Brazil beat Mexico 3-0 in the semi-finals earlier this week. The USA and Canada had a much closer call during their match. Following a 2-2 draw, USA beat Canada 3-1 in a penalty shoot-out. As we come to the end of Three weeks into the W Gold Cup competition, the USA vs. Brazil match-up is shaping up to be a tough one to call.
Kilgore submitted a number of head-scratching starting lineups throughout this tournament, and while some of them worked out well, some of them were papered over by the superior talent in the U.S. squad, which would have been potentially punished by stronger opposition from Europe.
The U.S. must sort this out as they move towards this summer's Olympics, because they can't get away with those kind of mistakes against the likes of England and France. The best players must be fit and ready to play in a condensed tournament, and while the other individuals within the squad will get time to give the starters rest, there needs to be a clear pecking order.
Read more
Billie Eilish Become Oscars’ Youngest Two-Time Winner Killers of the Flower Moon one of the big films nominated in Academy Awards
Sarah H
.
Also on site :
- Team Canada coach speaks out after being found to have manipulated competition, US Olympian fires back
- IND vs NZ 5th T20I: Thiruvananthapuram pitch report, weather, live streaming details, squads & all you need to know
- Pat Cummins ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026 as Australia make desperate changes