US Women win Olympic Gold over Brazil in Extra Time

The United States Womens National Soccer Team was not considered a favorite for the gold medal at the Beijing Olympics after losing star forward Abby Wambach to injury just before the tournament.  Things looked worse as they lost their opening game of the Olympics to Norway, but the US women showed their pedigree as they fought match after match to find themselves once again the underdogs as they faced Brazil for the gold medal. 

Outplayed and undermanned for most of the night, the Americans got the only shot they needed.   Carli Lloyd scored in the sixth minute of overtime Thursday night, Hope Solo bailed out her teammates time and again, and the United States beat Brazil 1-0 to win the gold medal in women's soccer for a third time in four Olympics.   As the final whistle sounded, the Americans charged across the field, hugging anyone in sight. Someone handed out flags, and several players took off, running.  

The Brazilians, meanwhile, were disconsolate. Goalkeeper Barbara lay on her back, sobbing, while Cristiane sat on the ground crying. Marta, who had been so brilliant all night only to see her team come up short yet again in a major tournament, put her hand to her head.   Solo, who only 11 months ago was banished from the bronze medal game at the World Cup for criticizing then-coach Greg Ryan for not playing her against Brazil, danced on the field several minutes after the game ended, a large, imitation gold medal around her neck, a phone to her ear and a bright smile on her face. 

The Americans looked sluggish and outclassed against the Brazilians for much of the game. But just as they have all Olympics, they came through when it counted.   Amy Rodriguez held off two Brazilians and put the ball up for Lloyd who gave it a light touch with her right foot and then left-footed it from a yard outside the area. Barbara dived, but the ball scooted past her and settled in the far bottom corner of the net.   Marta gave Brazil a chance in the 102nd minute, but she was tackled by Heather Mitts and then, after getting the ball back, was blocked first by Kate Markgraf and then by Christie Rampone. Brazil peppered the American goal in the final minutes of overtime, but could not connect.

Earlier, world champion Germany defeated Japan 2-0 for the bronze medal.