USWNT's keys to victory in Paris 2024 Olympics gold medal match

The USWNT's keys to victory in the Paris 2024 Olympics gold medal match put the pressure on Emma Hayes' world-class players to deliver one last stellar performance in France.

Ever since Emma Hayes arrived in the United States two months ago, the U.S. Women's National Team has experienced a much-needed resurgence. After a few lackluster years, full of performances unworthy of a gold medal or World Cup, the Stars and Stripes have reintroduced themselves as one of the powerhouses in women's soccer at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The USWNT has won all five of their fixtures this summer in France, including a tough semi-finals match against Germany, and will now play Brazil in the gold medal match on Saturday, Aug. 10. If Hayes' squad wants to leave Paris with the ultimate prize, then they will have to defeat the Selecao, something France and Spain failed to do in the knockout stage.

Here's a breakdown of four keys to victory for the USWNT ahead of their gold medal clash.

USWNT's keys to victory in Paris 2024 Olympics gold medal match

4. Give Rose Lavelle more freedom in the midfield

The USWNT are at their best when Rose Lavelle is linking up with Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Mallory Swanson up top. The midfielder's creativity and vision sets up some of the USA's best goalscoring chances, and keeps the four-time gold medalists on the attack by controlling the tempo of the game.

Unfortunately, Lavelle has had to drop back and pick up the slack of her fellow midfielders in the Stars and Stripes' matches against Japan and Germany in the knockout stages. Poor giveaways and backward passes have stalled the USA's attack, leaving the 29-year-old without much freedom to push forward.

Even if Lavelle cannot play a full 90 again, she can still leave her mark on the pitch, as long as she has the green light in her opposition's half.

3. Minimize sloppy giveaways

No team has been better at capitalizing on their opponents' mistakes than Brazil, and the Selecao will look to pounce on the USA's giveaways in the gold medal match. The Stars and Stripes must be tidy in possession, especially at the back, if they want to control the game.

Lindsey Horan struggled in the semi-finals, and if the midfielder delivers another poor performance, she could give Brazil the openings they need to strike.

2. Remain solid at the back

It goes without saying that great defense wins matches, and the USWNT has the best backline at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Emma Hayes' side has conceded just two goals in their last five matches, and held both Japan and Germany scoreless for a combined 240 minutes.

As long as Naomi Girma, Tierna Davidson, Emily Fox, and Crystal Dunn continue to perform at a high level, Brazil will have a tough time breaking through the backline. If they do, then they still must get past Alyssa Naeher, who has kept three clean sheets in France this summer.

1. Target Brazil's weakened backline

Speaking of defense, Brazil's backline is not at its full strength. Several of the Selecao's defenders, including Tamires, Rafaelle, and Antonia, have suffered injuries that will likely keep them off the pitch in the gold medal match.

Meanwhile, the USWNT's trident of Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Mallory Swanson have looked unstoppable all tournament, scoring nine of the USA's 11 goals. The forwards should get plenty of opportunities in the final third to test Brazil's makeshift backline.

If the Stars and Stripes' last two matches are any indication, it only takes one moment of brilliance from Rodman, Smith, or Swanson to win a game.