The United States win gold in the women's football

The United States have claimed the gold medal in the women's Olympic football competition with a 2-1 victory over Japan.

Japan had claimed the bragging rights the last time the two sides met in the 2011 World Cup final, but they have had to settle for a silver medal in the Olympics this time around.

A double from Carli Lloyd secured a 2-0 lead for the US, while Yuki Ogimi tapped home from close range to cut the deficit to 2-1 after 63 minutes.

It remained that way until the final whistle, however, with the United States claiming the gold medal.