Brazil vs. United States Gold Medal Match Predictions | Olympic Soccer Picks Today, Best Bets

Brazil vs. United States Prediction

Brazil has the most romantic story; this is Marta’s sixth and final Olympics, as she has announced her retirement at the end of 2024. If they could win, it would be their first Gold in the competition, and Marta would be sent off on a high note. For the United States, it is an opportunity to return to dominance. Winning would be announcing a new era of the USWNT and would be massive for the Emma Hayes regime. This isn’t their first meeting in the finals of the Olympics. In 2004 and 2008, the two faced off. They were competitive matches that featured extra time, and the U.S. came out on top in both. As nice as a storybook ending would be, the States have been the best team in the tournament. The third time won’t be a charm, and the U.S. will again lay a marker down.

Brazil 1 - USA 2 in ET

What to Expect From Brazil

Brazil

No one expected Brazil to make it to this stage. In the group stage, they underwhelmed, winning only one game and looking disjointed in their loss to Spain. Adding to the long road ahead, they lost Marta to a red card suspension for their Quarterfinal and Semifinal matches.

They persevered, though, beating the hosts 1-0, with Gabi Portilho scoring the winner. She scored again in their 4-2 demolishing of Spain in their rematch, beating one of the favorites to win Gold. As Canarinhas are growing into the tournament, they are playing their best, and they get their talisman back for the finals.

Brazil is the underdog, but they cannot be overlooked. The blueprint against the U.S. will be similar to that against Spain. If Brazil defends well and beats them on the break, it will win its first Gold medal. 

USA's Path to Gold

Despite not performing at their usual level heading into the tournament, the U.S. was still one of the favorites to make it to the final. Their new manager, Emma Hayes, brought a fresh squad and renewed hope heading into the Olympics.

Coming out of the gate on fire, they won all of their group-stage game, the most impressive win being their 4-1 thrashing of Germany. The goals were harder to come by after the group stage. They beat old rivals Japan 1-0 in extra time and beat Germany a second time, needing extras in that match as well.

The front three of Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman, and Mallory Swanson have been a revelation. They have all scored three goals and have combined for five assists as well. The Stars and Stripes have rediscovered the best version of themselves, and their exciting, fluid brand of soccer could bring them back to the mountaintop.

Brazil vs. United States Best Bet

Mallory Swanson has been a big game player at the club level and brought that form into the Olympics, impressing thus far. There is a good chance this is a cagey affair when you consider the United States' performances heading into this match. Finals also tend to be low-scoring affairs, with chances being hard to come by. Swanson, with her talent at unlocking defenses, is a great bet to score or assist.

Mallory Swanson to Score or Assist (+125)

Brazil vs. United States Top Prop

As outlined in the previous slide, finals tend to be tense and cagey. Many knockout stage games also featured extra time as teams did their best not to lose. We are more than likely on track for more of the same in this matchup. Brazil has shown resilience and a great nose for defense, and the States have found it harder to score in bunches. A tie after 90 minutes will be fitting for the tournament we’ve had thus far.

Tie after 90 minutes (+230)

Brazil vs. United States Prediction

Brazil has the most romantic story; this is Marta’s sixth and final Olympics, as she has announced her retirement at the end of 2024. If they could win, it would be their first Gold in the competition, and Marta would be sent off on a high note. For the United States, it is an opportunity to return to dominance. Winning would be announcing a new era of the USWNT and would be massive for the Emma Hayes regime. This isn’t their first meeting in the finals of the Olympics. In 2004 and 2008, the two faced off. They were competitive matches that featured extra time, and the U.S. came out on top in both. As nice as a storybook ending would be, the States have been the best team in the tournament. The third time won’t be a charm, and the U.S. will again lay a marker down.

Brazil 1 - USA 2 in ET