American women's football players celebrate after winning the women's football gold medal match of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games between the United States and Brazil in Beijing, China, Aug. 21, 2008. The U.S. beat Brazil 1-0 and won the gold medal of the event. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- The United States struggled to beat hottest favorite Brazil 1-0 in the extra time to claim the women's soccer title at the Beijing Olympics on Thursday.

    Brazil, the Olympic runners-up in Athens and World Cup runners-up in 2007, had to settle second again.

    World Cup champions Germany, who was crushed by Brazil in the Olympic semifinal, beat Japan 2-0 in the bronze medal match on Thursday.

American football players celebrate after winning the women's football gold medal match of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games between the United States and Brazil in Beijing, China, Aug. 21, 2008. The U.S. beat Brazil 1-0 and won the gold medal of the event. (Xinhua/Qi Heng) Photo Gallery>>>

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