BEIJING – The United States successfully defended its gold medal in women's soccer Thursday, beating Brazil 1-0 in extra time at the Beijing Olympics.
Carli Lloyd scored in the sixth minute of extra time for the Americans, who beat the Brazilians for a second straight Olympic final and won its third gold in four games.
Amy Rodriguez held off two Brazilians and passed to Lloyd, who struck a left-footed shot from a meter outside the area that beat goalkeeper Barbara at full stretch and flew in the far bottom corner of the net.
Marta gave Brazil a chance in the 102nd minute, but she was tackled by Heather Mitts. Marta got the ball back, but was blocked by Kate Markgraf and then by Christie Rampone.
Earlier, Germany defeated Japan 2-0 in the bronze medal game.
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