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USA overcome Brazil to win women's football gold medal

21/08/2008

USA have won the gold medal in the women's football tournament final after beating Brazil in extra time today.

Carli Lloyd struck a wonderful 20-yard strike six minutes into extra time to win the game for the Americans even though they were second best for much of the game.

Brazil should have equalised in extra time, but their star player Marta saw her goal-bound shot blocked by Heather Mitts.

Marta was the star of the final and she was agonisingly close to giving her team the lead in normal time, but USA keeper Hope Solo brilliantly saved her volley. Solo also saved well at the feet of Brazilian midfielder Cristiane.

But for all their possession, Brazil failed to find a way past the Americans and it was left to Lloyd to win the US their third gold in four games.

Meanwhile, substitute Bajramaj scored twice for Germany as they beat Japan 2-0 to win the bronze medal.