Emma Hayes’ United States side were taken to extra-time again before defeating Germany to reach the women’s Olympic final.

The USA needed an additional 30 minutes to battle past Japan in the quarter-finals and it was the same story in Lyon before Sophia Smith secured a 1-0 victory.

A cagey game was short on clear-cut chances, although the US had the best of them through Mallory Swanson in the second half.

First Swanson was played through and rounded the keeper but could only shoot into the side netting and, when she did find the net with four minutes of normal time remaining, the offside flag denied her.

Swanson was instrumental when the US did make the breakthrough five minutes into extra-time, though, this time turning provider for Smith, who just beat goalkeeper and defender to the ball to slot into the far corner.

Germany nearly took the game to penalties but Laura Freigang's header was brilliantly kept out by keeper Alyssa Naeher with her feet.

Moments later Hayes, who is managing in her first major tournament, and her players were able to celebrate victory and at least a silver medal.

The US won four of the first five gold medals following the introduction of women's football to the programme in Atlanta in 1996 but missed out altogether in Rio and could only take bronze in Tokyo.