Elizabeth Armstrong of the U.S. (R) lets in a goal during their women's water polo gold medal match against the Netherlands at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games August 21, 2008. [Agencies]

BEIJING--The Netherlands defeated the United States 9-8 in the women's water polo final to win the gold medal at the Beijing Olympic Games here on Thursday.

The Netherlands beat the United States 4-0 in less than four minutes in the first quarter. The United States managed to catch up to a draw 5-5 in the second quarter, but was soon overtaken by the Dutch again. The two fought furiously in the third quarter, but both failed to scored a goal.

The two tied 8-8 with three minutes to go in the fourth quarter. As the game was nearly dragged to overtime, Dutch No. 6 Danielle de Bruijn scored an extra-man shot, securing the gold for Netherlands.

Australia won the bronze medal after beating Hungary 12-11.