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.
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