Brazil knocks U.S. out of Women's World Cup 4-0, makes final

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By STEPHEN WADE, AP Sports Writer
September 27, 2007

HANGZHOU, China (AP) -- The streak is over, and so is the United States' bid for a third Women's World Cup championship.

Brazil and its star player Marta put on a dazzling performance against the Americans and cruised to a 4-0 victory in the semifinals Thursday, ending the U.S. unbeaten streak at 51 games and sending the Brazilians into their first title match, against Germany on Sunday.

Brazil went ahead on an own-goal in the 20th minute, and Marta made it 2-0 soon after. Cristiane and Marta added goals in the second half, with Marta becoming the tournament's leading scorer with seven goals.

The U.S. played the final 45 minutes with 10 players after midfielder Shannon Boxx was sent off in first-half injury time for a contentious second yellow card.

The Americans play Norway in Sunday's third-place game.
More (http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=ap-wwcup-brazil-us&prov=ap&type=lgns)

[dPrasse]

The American ladies soundly routed Norway and the Germans sent Brazil packing ...

a US/German final would have been more exciting .....

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SHANGHAI (AFP) — The United States put their goalkeeping row behind them with an emphatic 4-1 win over Norway to claim the World Cup's third spot on Sunday.

With controversial 'keeper Hope Solo axed for her outburst over the semi-final loss to Brazil, the two-time champions turned on the style with three goals in 14 second-half minutes.

US top-scorer Abby Wambach struck either side of the break with Lori Chalupny and Heather O'Reilly also weighing in before Ragnhild Gulbrandsen got her sixth of the tournament for Norway.

More at AFP (http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5iffwiv6Rbn5G1d3zB4sUDU3MXPgA).