Marta (L) of Brazil vies for the ball during Women's Gold - Match 26 between the U.S. and Brazil of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games football event at Workers' Stadium in Beijing, China, Aug. 21, 2008. The U.S. beat Brazil 1-0 and won the gold medal of the event.

The U.S. goalkeeper Hope Solo grabs the ball during Women's Gold - Match 26 between the U.S. and Brazil of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games football event at Workers' Stadium in Beijing, China, Aug. 21, 2008. The U.S. beat Brazil 1-0 and won the gold medal of the event

Marta (L) of Brazil vies for the ball during Women's Gold - Match 26 between the U.S. and Brazil of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games football event at Workers' Stadium in Beijing, China, Aug. 21, 2008. The U.S. beat Brazil 1-0 and won the gold medal of the event.

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.