Olympic football: US avenge World Cup loss to Japan

London: Two goals from midfielder Carli Lloyd propelled the US to Olympic gold in the women`s football tournament Thursday, sealing a 2-1 win over Japan in the final.

The victory was revenge for Japan`s victory on penalties in last year`s World Cup final between the two nations. Lloyd put America 2-0 up inside 54 minutes, with Japan`s Yuki Ogimi pulling one back on 63 minutes. It took Lloyd`s tally to four for the tournament. The final was played in front of a sell-out 80,000 crowd at London`s Wembley Stadium. The 2000 Sydney Games aside, the US has won every gold medal since women`s football became an Olympic sport in 1996. IANS