Players of the Netherlands cheer for themselves during the women's gold medal match between the Netherlands and the United States of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games water polo event at Yingdong Natatorium of National Olympic Sports Center in Beijing, China, August 21, 2008. The Netherlands beat the United States 9-8 and grabbed the gold medal in this event.(Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Netherlands defeated the United States 9-8 in the women's water polo final to win the gold medal at the Beijing Olympic Games here on Thursday.

    The Netherlands beat the United States 4-0 in less than four minutes in the first quarter. The United States managed to catch up to a draw 5-5 in the second quarter, but was soon overtaken by the Dutch again. The two fought furiously in the third quarter, but both failed to scored a goal.

    The two tied 8-8 with three minutes to go in the fourth quarter. As the game was nearly dragged to overtime, Dutch No. 6 Danielle de Bruijn scored an extra-man shot, securing the gold for Netherlands.

    Australia won the bronze medal after beating Hungary 12-11.