Germans down Brazil on Copacabana

Germany's Laura Ludwig and Kira Walkenhorst have won the beach volleyball gold medal, handing the host nation its second straight medal-round setback at Copacabana.

The 21-18 21-14 victory gave Germany its first medal in women's beach volleyball, just four years after the German men took the top spot on the Olympic podium in London.

Brazil's Agatha and Barbara, the reigning world champions, took silver.

The game followed a bronze medal match in which Americans Kerri Walsh Jennings and April Ross beat Brazil's other women's team, Larissa and Talita.

The hosts still have a chance for a gold medal when Alison and Bruno play Italy in the men's final on Thursday (Friday AEST).