Alexi Lalas Declares Spain Still Superior to USWNT & Emma Hayes Got Saved by Brazil’s Knockout Blow

Alexi Lalas’ opinion on USWNT’s Olympic campaign has been seesawing lately. The former US Men’s team star was unconvinced of coach Emma Hayes‘ acumen even after Team USA swept the group stage without losing once. Then, when the USWNT thrived well in the knockouts, he lauded Hayes for pulling the team this far without veteran players such as Alex Morgan. Now, when the team is lacing up for the gold medal game against Brazil, Lalas says Team USA is lucky it did not have to play against the World champions- Spain in the Olympic finale.

USWNT’s gold medal game was one of the many hot topics discussed in an episode of the State of the Union podcast hosted by Lalas. “This could not have set up better for the US,” said Alexi Lalas, referring to Emma Hayes and Co.’s gold medal game with Brazil. “If I had to choose between playing Brazil and playing  Spain in the final, I’m always going to pick Brazil,” he added. The former USMNT defender then observed that Brazil made the best of Spain’s mistakes in the semi-final. He also added that luck or “soccer gods” frowned on the World champions during the 4-2 semi-final loss with Brazil.

“I still think Spain is not only better than Brazil. But I still think Spain is even better than this US Women’s National Team. So in a certain sense, the USWNT dodged a bullet by not having to play Spain,” Alexi Lalas added.

Anyhow, Emma Hayes has never flinched at the prospect of playing Spain in the gold medal game. Here’s what Coach Hayes said about a hypothetical final with Spain after Team USA’s semi-final win over Germany.

Emma Hayes wouldn’t have minded if Team USA had to play Spain in the final

Spain was hands down the favorite to win the Olympic gold in Paris. They come fresh off the sensational World Cup win in 2023 and are a bastion of serial Ballon d’Or winners. So, the world seems to have wanted a gold medal game between Espana and four-time Olympic winners-USWNT in Paris. Immediately after USWNT ousted Germany to secure a spot in the final, Emma Hayes was asked if she wanted to play Spain in the final. Hayes yet again showed who the boss was with a fitting reply. “I don’t care. I want a drink,” said Hayes in response.

Hence, Lalas’ grand praise on the Spanish super squad won’t do a thing to flinch the 47-year-old USWNT boss. Meanwhile, it must also be noted that the all-powerful Spanish squad bowed to Germany in the bronze medal match at the Paris Summer Games. Be it Brazil or USWNT, the gold medal winner would perhaps embark on a journey to end Spain’s domination in international football. Do you think Coach Hayes would do it? Or is it Marta’s turn this time? Tell us in the comments.