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Debate

USWNT's recognition on par with women's basketball—Is this a turning point for women's soccer?

Just one more night’s sleep until the Paris Olympics 2024 women’s soccer final. Tomorrow, the USWNT will battle for their historic fifth gold against the formidable Brazil. Whatever the outcome will be, making it to the last round undoubtedly stands as a remarkable achievement in itself. However, even before the big showdown, Emma Hayes and Co. have already scored the winning goal for women’s soccer, earning a recognition that puts them on the same pitch as the US women’s basketball team.

To break the ice, since the inception of the summer games, all of the USWNT matches have been televised on USA Network and Telemundo TV channels for the American audience. Tomorrow’s final was also, as usual, set to be broadcast on USA Network. Well, the arrangements to watch the ladies in the final have changed as now they are rather grandiose. Thanks to NBC, Saturday’s emphatic Brazil vs USA Olympic gold medal clash will now be televised on the big NBC.

via Reuters

This is certainly quite a big achievement as before them, the US women’s basketball team matches used to get televised. Even today’s women’s basketball semifinal between the USA and Australia will be available on NBC. No doubt scheduling the women’s soccer final will see the broadcaster stakeholders garner significant views and outstanding ratings. This, however, comes out to be a huge blow for USA Network.

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Meanwhile, those who can’t catch Brazil vs USA on TV can stream the game as usual on Peacock. Rest, a massive crowd is expected to make it to Parc des Princes, Paris, France to witness the kick-off at 11 a.m. ET sharp. Regardless, while everything is set for the final, let’s take a quick look at both of the formidable sides.

Can USWNT thrive to regain its dominance or will Brazil give Marta the farewell she deserves?

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There are two possible headlines after tomorrow’s Paris Olympics 2024 women’s final. The first might be about the USWNT rising from the ashes after their heartbreak in the 2023 FIFA World Cup. A victory would not only mark their triumphant comeback but also make them the first nation to win five gold medals in women’s soccer. However, if they fall short, their silver tally will increase to two.

On the other hand, if Brazil prevails, they will open their gold medal account at the Summer Games and give their iconic forward, Marta, the perfect farewell that many fans have been hoping for. The 38-year-old forward is set to hang up her boots after the final, marking it as her last major international tournament. A victory would be a proper send-off for the legend, especially how close she came to ending her international career on a rather bland and controversial note.

What’s your perspective on:

USWNT's recognition on par with women's basketball—Is this a turning point for women's soccer?

Have an interesting take?

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After Marta was sent off for a dangerously high boot against Spain’s Olga Carmona in Brazil’s final group-stage match, things took a downturn. Her suspension initially ruled her out of the quarter-finals, but FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee extended the ban to include the semi-finals as well. Fortunately, Marta’s last game for Brazil will be an Olympics final, not the match where she was sent off.

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What are your predictions for Brazil vs USWNT? Let us know in the comments.