Brazil Routs U.S. in Semifinals

HANGZHOU, September 27 (Ticker) - Brazil made light work of two-time world champions United States on Thursday, posting a 4-0 victory to book a place in the final of the 2007 World Cup. The game was as good as over for Greg Ryan's side at halftime after a nightmare opening 45 minutes during which the United States scored an own goal, conceded another and had Shannon Boxx dismissed. Brazil dominated after the break, adding further goals by Cristiane and Marta. Brazil will now face defending champions Germany in Shanghai on Sunday as they look to capture a first world title.

The United States, meanwhile, will have to pick themselves up for the third-place match against Norway earlier the same day. It was the first goals conceded by the United States since their opening group game against North Korea, and prior to the match Ryan took the surprise decision to relegate goalkeeper Hope Solo to the bench in favor of Briana Scurry. The game got off to a lively start as Lori Chalupny saw her close-range effort saved by Andreia in the fourth minute while Brazil almost capitalized on a mistake by Scurry minutes later.

But the South Americans' were gifted the lead in the 20th minute when a corner was headed into her own net by Leslie Osborne. And they struck a fine second just seven minutes later when Marta cut inside in the box before unleashing a powerful low drive beyond the grasp of Scurry. Chalupny sent a dipping shot wide from the edge of the box in the 34th minute as the U.S. looked to pull a goal back before the break. But on the stroke of halftime the U.S. was dealt a further blow when Boxx was harshly sent off for a foul on Cristiane.

Brazil continued to attack straight from the restart and Daniela should have done better when she sent a shot wide before Maycon sprinted into the box only to send her shot wide. But Brazil's pace in attack quickly brought them a third goal that all but extinguished the United States' hopes of a comeback. In the 56th minute Formiga surged down the wing before spotting Cristiane unmarked in the box and the Wolfsburg striker had time to pick her spot beyond Scurry.

Kristine Lilly's point-blank effort was well caught by Andreia soon after while Scurry did likewise at the other end as Marta created an opening for Cristiane. But a fourth goal duly arrived in the 79th minute when the superb Marta cleverly set herself up by deftly flicking the ball beyond her marker, beating a second defender and drilling a firm shot under Scurry.