USA vs. Japan: Best Photos from Women's Olympic Soccer Gold Medal Match

US Women's Soccer Team Win Gold
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The US women's soccer team went out to redeem themselves against Japan in the 2012 Olympics gold medal match.

It was a rematch of last summer's Women's World Cup final, when Japan ultimately prevailed in a penalty shootout.

Again at London 2012, the margin between the two teams was slim in an exciting, fast-paced game. Here are 11 of the best images from a memorable Olympic night at Wembley.

"Mine!"

Carlo Lloyd goal
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With Abby Wambach shaping up to slam Alex Morgan's picture-perfect cross into the net, up pops Carli Lloyd to nick the ball practically off Wambach's foot and score the opening goal with a flying header.

USA 1, Japan 0

USWNT
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USA celebrate taking the lead in the 8th minute.

This Beats Dancing with the Stars

Hope Solo
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Hope Solo enjoys the calm before Japan starts storming her goal toward the end of the first half.

Nadeshiko Chic

Japan Fan
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No one does cuddly-toy-loving fan support like the Japanese.

Frustration for Japan

Yuki Ogimi
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Forward Yuki Ogimi can't believe Japan still haven't managed to find the goal after an extended spell of pressure sees them hit the crossbar, draw a spectacular save from Hope Solo and have a penalty for handball denied.

Carli Lloyd

Carli Lloyd
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Lloyd shapes to shoot from 25 yards, and it's...

USA 2, Japan 0

Abby Wambach
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It was Carli Lloyd, in cracking form, who scored again. But Wambach will take it.

Homare Sawa

Homare Sawa
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Japan's No. 10 controls the ball in the build-up to their first goal. USA 2, Japan 1.

Box of Confusion

USA vs Japan
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Chaos in the US box as the Americans continue to live dangerously with a one-goal lead.

Hope Saves the Day

Hope Solo
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Keeper Hope Solo made several crucial saves to ensure USA kept the lead, but none more vital than this one in the 83rd minute.

Final: USA 2, Japan1

Hope Solo and Carli Lloyd
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The two heroes of the day, Hope Solo and Carli Lloyd, celebrate winning Olympic gold.

USWNT Takes the Gold

USWNT Tastes Gold
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For the fourth time in five Olympics, the US women's soccer team wins gold.