The United States will meet Brazil in the final of the women's soccer tournament at the Athens Olympic Games after they defeated Brazil 2-1 in extra time on Monday.

While in another semi-final match, Brazil edged Sweden 1-0 to gain a place in the final.

The United States and Germany, top two teams in FIFA rankings, traded attacks in the first 20 minutes of the game, and it was Kristine Lilly of the United States who broke the deadlock with a left-footer kick in front of the goal area.

But an equalizer from Isabell Bachor, the German forward who came from the bench in the 39th minute, brought the game into an extra time fight-out.

The German forward fired home after a wrong-footed marker Kristine Lilly fell to the ground seconds before the unexpected shoot.

America's star player Mia Hamm proved her ability again in the extra time when she dashed up in the 99th minute from the left flank and gave a comfortable cross to Heather O'Reilly who was just in place to tap the ball into the net.

With the win, the American team is one step away from their second Olympic gold medal after their first victory in Atlanta.

"We came into this Olympic Games with one mission, to win the gold medal," said American team's goalkeeper Briana Scurry after the game.

"We improved, we've got some fabulous players and we are ready to win in the final with another impressive victory," Scurry added.

Brazil break into women's soccer final

One goal from Pretinha gave Brazil a 1-0 victory over Sweden in a semi-final match of the women's soccer tournament at the 28th Olympic Games Monday evening.

With the win, Brazil will meet the United States in the final for the Olympic title. In another semifinal match held earlier on Monday, the American team edged Germany 2-1.

Pretinha struck the winner at the 64th minute for Brazil when the Swedish goalkeeper Caroline Joensson let loose the ball.

The final match will be held Thursday.

Following are the results of women' s football at the Athens Olympic Games on Monday:

United States bt Germany 2-1 (after extra time)

Brazil bt Sweden 1-0