United States women’s national team coach Emma Hayes is confident in her team’s defensive personnel despite injuries to Tierna Davidson and Naomi Girma ahead of an Olympic gold medal-game rematch against Brazil. With a focus on individual development, Hayes is incorporating young and less experienced players like Tara McKeown and Avery Patterson alongside veterans Crystal Dunn and Emily Sonnett. Forward Trinity Rodman has returned to the squad after dealing with back problems, while Catarina Macario is expected to play a significant role against Brazil, her birth country. Hayes anticipates Brazil’s high defensive pressure, emphasizing the need for quick decision-making in the upcoming games.
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