Olympic Women's Soccer: Best Bets for the United States vs. Brazil Gold Medal Match

The women's soccer tournament at the Paris Olympics has reached the Gold Medal match. The final takes place at 11 a.m. ET on Saturday as the United States and Brazil tangle for the gold.

Olympic Soccer Best Bets

United States vs. Brazil

United States Moneyline (-105)

The women's Gold Medal match is a matchup between Brazil and the United States. Going by FIFA World Rankings, Brazil are ninth while the US is fifth.

Brazil got here by pulling off a 4-2 upset win over Spain in the semifinals. It was an impressive showing as the scoreline makes it look a little closer than it actually was. Brazil led 2-0 at the break and 3-0 after 71 minutes before a late rally from Spain, the reigning World Cup champs and FIFA's top-ranked team.

But it hasn't been smooth sailing for the Brazilians as they fell twice in the group stage -- 2-0 to Spain and 2-1 to Japan. However, they've upped their game in the knockout rounds. Prior to the win over Spain in the semis, Brazil beat hosts France, 1-0, in the quarterfinals.

The Americans needed extra time to edge past Germany by a 1-0 score in the other semifinal. The US likely deserved more in attack as they generated 10 shots on target (19 overall), with Sophia Smith -- who netted the winner in the 95th minute -- tallying 4 shots on target.

In manager Emma Hayes' first major tournament in charge, the US is likely a little ahead of schedule in getting back to a final after a disappointing Round-of-16 exit in the last World Cup.

The Americans have thrived defensively under Hayes. With center-back Naomi Girma and keeper Alyssa Naeher leading the charge, the US have conceded only twice through five Olympic matches, and they've yet to allow a goal in the knockout rounds, picking up a pair of 1-0 wins.

The improvements under Hayes don't stop there as she has also helped jumpstart the Americans' attack. In the 2023 World Cup, the US netted only four goals over four matches. In this tournament, they've scored 11 times through five outings.

With Hayes at the helm, the US has taken a step forward at both ends of the pitch, and while Brazil have played very well in the knockout rounds, I think the Americans are the more well-rounded team and will capture the Gold Medal in regulation on Saturday.

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