( CNN ) -- The United States avenged its defeat in last year 's FIFA Women 's World Cup final by beating Japan 2-1 to defend its Olympic title at London 's Wembley Stadium on Thursday . In front of 80,203 fans , a record for a women 's soccer match at the Games , the U.S. won a fourth Olympic gold in five tournaments thanks to a goal in each half from midfielder Carli Lloyd . Japan beat Pia Sundhage 's team in a dramatic penalty shootout at last year 's World Cup in Germany , but the Asian team could only offer Yuki Ogimi 's second-half goal in response . The U.S. got off to a perfect start when Lloyd met striker Alex Morgan 's cross with a brave header after eight minutes . The Japanese , guaranteed a historic first women 's football medal after beating France in the semifinals , were angered when a penalty was n't given for a Tobin Heath handball midway through the first half . Live blog : Olympic final as it happened . After Japan hit the crossbar twice before halftime , Lloyd doubled her tally and the Americans ' lead with a stunning solo strike in the 55th minute . The 30-year-old curled a 20-yard shot into the net following a run which began inside her own half . Striker Ogimi offered Japan a lifeline when she bundled a shot into the net after U.S. captain Christie Rampone had failed to clear her lines . Rampone was at fault again when she gifted possession to substitute Mana Iwabuchi , who saw her shot athletically saved by Hope Solo . Japan pushed to find an equalizer but the U.S. held on . It could have been 3-1 , but striker Abby Wambach -- who finished the tournament with five goals -- headed over from a late corner . Canada , beaten 4-3 by the U.S. in a dramatic semifinal , clinched the bronze medal earlier on Thursday by beating France 1-0 in Coventry . France dominated large parts of the match , but Canada secured a first medal in this event when midfielder Diana Matheson capitalized on some loose defending to win the match in injury time .
The USA beats Japan 2 - 1 to win Olympic women 's football gold . Midfielder Carli Lloyd scores a goal in each half to secure fourth Olympic title . Brazil beat U.S. on penalties in last year 's FIFA Women 's World Cup final . Canada clinches the bronze medal after beating France 1 - 0 .