Hayes puts the 'joy' of playing back

Less than three months after taking charge of a United States women's football team in crisis, English coach Emma Hayes has restored them to the pinnacle of the game and her players say "the joy" of playing is back.

Hayes, who took over in late May after leaving her role with club team Chelsea, guided them to victory in Saturday's Olympic final with a 1-0 win over Brazil.

It is a fifth gold for the USA but one that many had doubted they were capable of winning after their early exit from last year's women's World Cup.

Being knocked out in the round-of-16 was the worst performance by a USA team in a World Cup but Hayes has rejuvenated the team.