Lori Chalupny (L) of the U.S. kicks the ball away from Cristiane of Brazil during their final soccer match in Worker's Stadium at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, August 21, 2008. [Agencies]

BEIJING -- 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.

Erika (L) of Brazil heads the ball away from Amy Rodriguez of the U.S. during their final soccer match in Worker's Stadium at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, August 21, 2008. [Agencies]

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.