Solo, USA Face Brazil in Semifinals

SHANGHAI, China (Ticker) - United States goalkeeper Hope Solo has targeted Brazil's defense as the weakness the two-time world champions need to exploit if they are to secure a place in the World Cup final. The two sides meet in the semifinal of the competition on Thursday with the United States looking for a third world title while Brazil is hoping to capture a historic first.

Brazil has a perfect record in the tournament so far while the United States progressed from a tough group before sweeping aside England, 3-0, in the quarterfinals. Jorge Barcellos' Brazilian side conceded their first goals of the World Cup in their quarterfinal against Australia, when a superb Cristiane strike condemned the Matildas to a 3-2 defeat. "I think we will have opportunities to score against them," said Solo. "They are a very tough team, very good on the attack but I am not so sure they are as organized in defense, like a lot of teams we play. They are a team I am excited to get the opportunity to play against." Brazil has scored at will in their previous games, hitting the back of the net 13 times in just four games. They also possess Marta, who is one of the most dangerous players at the World Cup.

However, Solo insists she will not let nerves get the better of her. "To be quite honest I am not nervous yet," Solo said. "I don't intend to get any more nervous than I do in any other game. The simple fact of the matter is I am a goalkeeper and I need to keep the ball out of the net. The thing I have to be wary of is their confidence on the ball and not to bite when they want me to bite."