Emma Hayes’ USA side will face Brazil in Saturday’s women’s Olympic final [Ane Frosaker/SPP]

THE battle for gold is on for football boss Emma Hayes after the former Parliament Hill School pupil steered the USA into this Saturday’s prestigious women’s Olympic final.

Brazil await Hayes’ players – who include Arsenal defender Emily Fox – and the 47-year-old USA head coach says she “can’t wait” for the big kick-off at the Parc des Princes in Paris.

“This is something I’ve dreamed about since I was little,” Hayes told the New Journal. “To be in a gold medal final and compete with a team that I’m not only really enjoying working with, but are such a great fit for me, I’m so excited.”

Hayes took the USA reins in May after a trophy-laden 12 years managing Chelsea and her new charges hit the ground running in France, waltzing through the group stage unbeaten against Zambia, Germany and Australia with two goals conceded and nine scored.

After a last-eight win over Japan was settled by a Trinity Rodman strike in extra-time, their spot in the showpiece was in the bag on Tuesday thanks to another extra-time goal, this time from Sophia Smith against Germany in Lyon.

Now Hayes, who grew up kicking a ball around the Curnock Street Estate in Camden Town, faces the biggest test of her fledgling international career.

Yes, Saturday’s opponents Brazil have lost twice in these Olympics so far and four-time champions the USA have the historical edge having beaten the South Americans to the title in 2004 and again four years later.

But given Brazil’s gripping 4-2 semi-final victory over reigning world champions Spain on Tuesday and the imminent return to their ranks of six-time women’s world player of the year, Marta, after a two-game suspension, a tasty tie surely awaits in Paris.

Regardless of how this final plays out, however, Hayes has already made an impact as only the second USA head coach to win their first four matches at a major tournament and the Americans are assured of a seventh Olympic medal in eight editions.