Yahoo Sports Brazil vs USA: Preview, predictions and lineups
After 25 games, the final is here. Brazil take on the United States of America on Saturday in a battle for the gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
It's been a dramatic tournament in France with some big storylines and major upsets. Brazil knocked out world champions Spain in the semi-finals to book their place in the final, while USA boss Emma Hayes has had a stellar start to life in her new role.
The USA are four-time gold medalists in 1996, 2004, 2008 and 2012. However, they were only bronze medalists at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
Brazil, on the other hand, have never won gold at the Olympics and are two-time silver medalists. They were runners up to the USA in both 2004 and 2008 and will be hoping to enact revenge this time around at Parc des Princes.
Here's 90min's guide to Brazil vs USA in the 2024 Paris Olympics gold medal match...
What time does Brazil vs USA kick-off?
Brazil vs USA H2H Record (Last Five Games)
Last meeting: USA 1-0 Brazil (11 March 2024) - CONCACAF Women's Gold Cup
Current form (all competitions)
How to watch Brazil vs USA on TV and live stream
Brazil team news
The good news for Brazil is Marta is set to return for what will be her final game for the Selecao. The 38-year-old was handed a red card in Brazil's final group game for a high foot and missed their quarter-final and semi-final victories over France and Spain as a result.
She has now served a two-game suspension and will be available for selection once again. Whether Marta starts, however, is a different story as Adriana Leal has had some impressive performances in the forward's absence.
Brazil predicted lineup vs USA
Brazil predicted lineup vs USA (3-4-1-2): Lorena; Thais Ferreira, Lauren, Tarciane; Ludmila, Angelina, Yaya, Yasmim; Jheniffer; Priscila, Gabi Portilho.
USA team news
19-year-old forward Jaedyn Shaw has been the only significant absentee for the USA throughout this tournament. She returned to the squad for the knockout games but is yet to be handed any minutes by Hayes.
The former Chelsea coach has rotated very little so far, opting to stick with her tried and tested names. Only 13 different players have started their five games against Germany, Australia, Zambia and Japan.
USA predicted lineup vs Brazil (3-4-3): Naeher; Fox, Girma, Davidson; Rodman, Horan, Coffey, Dunn; Swanson, Smith, Lavelle.
The romantic prediction would be a Brazil win and Marta ending her international career with an Olympic gold medal. However, the reality is Brazil's form against the USA over the years doesn't make for great reading.
While the USA are in a transitional period following Hayes' arrival earlier in the summer, they should have enough quality to get over the line on Saturday. It won't be straightforward, though, as Brazil have already caused a significant upset at this tournament and will be determined to do so again.
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