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Brazil Stuns US Women in Cup Semifinal

4-0 defeat is worst ever for overwhelmed American squad

By Jonas Oransky,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 27, 2007 11:40 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Brazil thrashed the US, 4-0, in the Women’s World Cup semifinals today in Hangzhou, China, the worst loss in the program's history. The match was “over at halftime,” the Chicago Tribune writes, with the Americans down two goals—and one player, after Shannon Boxx received two yellow cards. Brazil faces Germany in Sunday's final; the US plays Norway for third place.

Brazil ended a streak of eight consecutive losses to the US—and the “long golden age” of American soccer—by being “too fast, too clever, too fearless.” The Brazilians got two goals from Marta, who has a tournament-best seven in five games. A goalie switch by US coach Greg Ryan backfired, as veteran Briana Scurry made several crucial gaffes.

Brazil's forward Cristiane , left in yellow jersey, and midfielder Daniela, right, celebrate the victory over the U.S., after their semifinal match of the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup soccer tournament Thursday Sept. 27, 2007 at Hangzhou Dragon Stadium in Hangzhou, China. Brazil won 4-0 and will play Germany in...
Brazil's forward Cristiane , left in yellow jersey, and midfielder Daniela, right, celebrate the victory over the U.S., after their semifinal match of the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup soccer tournament...   (Associated Press)
Brazil's defender Tania celebrates the victory over the U.S. after their semifinal match of the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup soccer tournament Thursday Sept. 27, 2007 at Hangzhou Dragon Stadium in Hangzhou, China. Brazil won 4-0 and will play Germany in the Sept. 30 final in Shanghai. (AP Photo/Eugene...
Brazil's defender Tania celebrates the victory over the U.S. after their semifinal match of the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup soccer tournament Thursday Sept. 27, 2007 at Hangzhou Dragon Stadium in Hangzhou,...   (Associated Press)
Brazil's Marta, right, shoots past United States players Kate Markgraf (15), Stephanie Lopez (14) and Cat Whitehill, left, to score during their semifinal match at the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup soccer tournament in Hangzhou, China, Thurday Sept. 27, 2007. Brazil won 4-0 to advance to the final in Shanghai...
Brazil's Marta, right, shoots past United States players Kate Markgraf (15), Stephanie Lopez (14) and Cat Whitehill, left, to score during their semifinal match at the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup soccer...   (Associated Press)
United States midfielder Shannon Boxx, left, tackles Brazil's Formiga in the first half during a semifinal match of the FIFA 2007 Women's World Cup soccer tournament Thursday, Sept. 27, 2007 in Hangzhou, China. Boxx was issued a yellow card on the play, her first of two in the game. Brazil...
United States midfielder Shannon Boxx, left, tackles Brazil's Formiga in the first half during a semifinal match of the FIFA 2007 Women's World Cup soccer tournament Thursday, Sept. 27, 2007 in Hangzhou,...   (Associated Press)
Brazilian players celebrate after they defeated the United States in their semifinal match at the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup soccer tournament in Hangzhou, China, Thurday Sept. 27, 2007. Brazil won 4-0 to advance to the final in Shanghai on Sept. 30. (AP Photo/Greg Baker)
Brazilian players celebrate after they defeated the United States in their semifinal match at the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup soccer tournament in Hangzhou, China, Thurday Sept. 27, 2007. Brazil won...   (Associated Press)
United States forward Abby Wambach, right, goes up against Brazil's Tania in the second half during a semifinal match of the FIFA 2007 Women's World Cup soccer tournament Sept. 26, 2007 in Hangzhou, China. Brazil won 4-0 to advance to the finals against Germany on Sunday. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
United States forward Abby Wambach, right, goes up against Brazil's Tania in the second half during a semifinal match of the FIFA 2007 Women's World Cup soccer tournament Sept. 26, 2007 in Hangzhou, China....   (Associated Press)
United States players Marian Dalmy, right, and Natasha Kai console each other after losing to Brazil in their semifinal match at the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup soccer tournament in Hangzhou, China, Thursday Sept. 27, 2007. Brazil won 4-0 to advance to the final in Shanghai on Sept. 30. (AP...
United States players Marian Dalmy, right, and Natasha Kai console each other after losing to Brazil in their semifinal match at the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup soccer tournament in Hangzhou, China,...   (Associated Press)
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