U.S. retain gold against Brazil in women's soccer

By Brian Homewood

BEIJING (Reuters) - The United States retained the Olympic women's soccer title on Thursday with a 1-0 extra-time win over hapless Brazil, who fell at the last hurdle for the third major competition in a row.

Carli Lloyd rifled the gold medal winner with a low shot from the edge of the area six minutes into extra-time after the South Americans had dominated most of the game.

The Brazilians were also runners-up to the United States in Athens four years ago and lost to Germany in last year's World Cup final.

World Player of the Year Marta, who played in all three finals and missed a penalty against Germany, hit the post in the second half.

"When I was six years old, I thought I was the only girl who played football and I had to play with boys," said U.S. coach Pia Sundhage.

"I could never imagine being a professional player or coach. I am so proud," said the Swede.

Brazil coach Jorge Barcellos was left to pick up the pieces after another huge disappointment.

"We were really confident that we would win this game but football is complicated," he said. "We had the game in our hands. We were creating chances until the very last minute."