Emma Hayes on gold medal

Emma Hayes, head coach of the U.S. women's national soccer team (USWNT) for just 70 days, has led the team to an Olympic gold medal by defeating Brazil 1-0. Mallory Swanson scored the decisive goal, marking the U.S.'s first gold in women's soccer since 2012. Hayes, who previously coached Chelsea and has extensive experience in U.S. soccer, expressed her deep emotional connection to the victory, emphasizing her love for America and her desire for players to enjoy the game. The team's triumph comes after a disappointing early exit in the previous World Cup, showcasing a significant turnaround under Hayes' leadership. Players have noted the return of joy and belief in the team, attributing this to Hayes' positive coaching style. As the highest-paid women's head coach globally, Hayes is set to continue her tenure with the USWNT for the next three years.