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>>>

    BEIJING, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Defending champion United States edged Brazil 1-0 in the Olympic women's soccer final here Thursday night, a stunning repeat of the Athens Games final in which the Americans rallied to beat the Brazilians 2-1.

    Pressed by the Brazilians during the most of the match, the United States hit the lone goal seven minutes into the extra time. Midfielder Carli Lloyd charged into the penalty area and fired a powerful shot to break the deadlock.

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. (Xinhua/Qi Heng) Photo Gallery>>>

    The Brazilians, who crushed the United States 4-0 in the World Cup semifinal last year in China, created countless scoring chances but failed to cash in a single one.

    American goalkeeper Hope Solo was the most eye-catching figure in the duel as her several crucial saves saved the whole team.

    As the reigning FIFA Women's World Player of the Year, Brazilian star striker Marta tore the U.S. defense line many times but her acute shots were all miraculously denied by Solo.

    Rattled Brazilians girls had to rally after the U.S. lead, however, their three most creative players - Cristiane, Marta and Daniela -- squandered several chances. The closest one came in the last minute of the game when Marta managed to deliver a beautiful right pass across the goal but Cristiane failed to catch.

    The Americans have played in the Olympic gold medal match every time since the women's soccer debuted at the 1996 Atlanta Games, only losing the title in Sydney 2000 to Norway.

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>>>