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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Sport
Beau Dure

Emma Hayes made her own luck with the USWNT at the Olympics

Emma Hayes led the USWNT to the Olympic title in her first major tournament in charge of the team.
Emma Hayes led the USWNT to the Olympic title in her first major tournament in charge of the team. Photograph: Benoît Tessier/Reuters

In evaluating any athlete, team or coach, the danger is always in drawing broad conclusions from results determined by the width of a toe or a bit of luck.

So many crucial moments in the history of the USWNT could have gone the other way. Kristine Lilly clearing a goalbound shot in extra time of the 1999 World Cup. Carli Lloyd’s long-range shot in 2008, which many goalkeepers would have saved. Questionable penalty kicks all through the 2019 World Cup knockout rounds.

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