United States retained the Olympic [Images] gold medal in women's soccer on Thursday with a 1-0 extra-time win over Brazil [Images], who fell at the last hurdle for the third major competition in a row.

Carli Lloyd rifled the 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.

Brazil were also runners-up to the U.S. in Athens four years ago and lost to Germany [Images] 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.

Marta, often too individualistic, produced plenty of mazy runs but was repeatedly shut out by the U.S. rearguard.

Brazil forward Cristiane, leading scorer with five goals, had the best first-half chance when she broke clear of the defense but Hope Solo rushed out of her goal to block the danger.

In the 72nd minute, Marta scuttled into the penalty area, forced her way between two defenders but saw here shot hit the post.

The U.S. barely threatened until a late second half flurry.

Brazil goalkeeper Barbara had to punch a corner out from under her goal, then stretched to stop a low Angela Hucles shot in the 86th minute.

In the last minute, Amy Rodriguez broke clear but squandered her chance with an attempted chip which Barbara saved.

Lloyd was denied a second when she hit the post in the 115th minute while Marta floated a free kick narrowly wide at the other end.

In the last minute of extra-time, Brazil's Renata Costa fired into the side-netting from a corner.