Norway's women were crowned Olympic champions after a 'Golden Goal' gave them a 3-2 win over reigning world champions, the United States.

Tiffeny Millbrett gave America the lead after five minutes, but Gro Espeseth headed the Norwegians level just before the break.

With 11 minutes to go, Ragnahild Gulbrandsen put Norway 2-1 up - only for Millbrett to grab an equaliser in stoppage time.

But it was not to be America's night as Mellgren latched on to a long pass and fired her shot into the bottom corner to gain a dramatic win 12 minutes into the first period of extra-time.

Germany took the bronze medal with a 2-0 victory over Brazil.

Renate Lingor set the Germans on their way with a stunning free-kick midway through the second-half, curling the ball over the wall and into the top right-hand corner.

Striker Birgit Prinz made it 2-0 on 78 minutes when she picked up a long thorough ball and slotted past advancing Brazilian keeper Andreia.

Inka Grings missed a great opportunity to add a third a minute later, firing her shot wide of an empty net after rounding the keeper.

The Brazilians rarely threatened the German defence and a goalmouth scramble on 13 minutes, after Formiga's shot had been blocked, was their only notable effort on goal during the entire game.

AFP