Sport

U.S. beats Brazil for gold

BEIJING: The United States successfully defended its gold medal in women’s soccer on Thursday, beating Brazil 1-0 in extra time.

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 metre outside the area that beat goalkeeper Barbara at full stretch and flew in the far bottom corner of the net.

The two great rivals produced a classic encounter, full of fierce physical contests and high levels of skill thrilling the capacity crowd at the Workers Stadium.

It was a courageous effort by the United States, which for long periods absorbed tremendous pressure from the Brazilians, spearheaded by their lethal strike pair of Marta and Cristiane to win it in the first period of extra time.

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.

The Americans are rebuilding after a fractious campaign at last year’s World Cup in China where they were taken apart by Brazil 4-0 in the semi-finals and finished with the bronze behind champions Germany.

Earlier Germany won its third consecutive Olympics bronze medal but made heavy weather of it against Japan with a hard-fought 2-0 victory in the bronze medal playoff. — Agenices

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