USL at the Women’s World Cup >>

Thursday, September 27, 2007

The semifinal round of the Women’s World Cup saw the United States grabbing atypical headlines for coaching decisions and a stunning result as they suffered their biggest defeat in team history in a 4-0 loss to Brazil. Germany downed Norway 3-0 in the other semifinal.

SEMIFINAL: US 0 :: 4 Brazil

Perhaps distracted by the change in goalkeepers to former champion and former Delaware Genie Brianna Scurry in place of starter Hope Solo, the US fell behind early on an a Leslie Osborne own goal created by a corner kick by Jersey Sky Blue midfielder Formiga, who whipped a low ball into the six.

Tournament star Marta then pushed the score to 2-0 when she turned and while zipping across the top of the box and sent a quick shot just inside the post. Just before half, a controversial second yellow left the US without Shannon Boxx for the second half, which proved too much to overcome. Christiane and Marta put the game away as Brazil dominated the second stanza with goals in the 56th and 80th minute.

USSF Full Report [+]       FIFA Full Report [+]        FIFA Formiga Feature [+] 
 

SEMIFINAL: Germany 3 :: 0 Norway

Germany kept its shutout streak going and Norway kept the match a stalemate until an error three minutes before the break put the defending champions on the board via an own goal. A pair of goals separated by three minutes late in the second half from Kerstin Stegemann and Martina Mueller put the match away for Germany.

FIFA Full Report [+]