Soccer around the globe

U.S. expects physical World Cup semifinal

At Tianjin, China, U.S. coach Greg Ryan is bracing for Brazil. He knows the semifinal Thursday will be rough, smoothed a bit by the artistry of Marta, the game's best female player.

Brazil won its quarterfinal Sunday at the Women's World Cup, defeating Australia 3-2 on Cristiane's goal in the 75th minute, a rising drive from 20 yards off rapid-fire passes from Marta and Daniela.

The Americans have ambitions for a third World Cup title, following ones in 1991 and '99. Brazil has never advanced this far.

"I believe finally we will add one more star on our jersey," Daniela said, a reference to the men's team, which has won a record five World Cups. "We will finally get the World Cup."

The Americans, top-ranked and undefeated in 51 games, advanced Saturday by beating England 3-0 on goals by Abby Wambach, Shannon Boxx and captain Kristine Lilly.

Germany defeated North Korea 3-0 that day, putting the defending champions into a Wednesday semifinal with Norway in Beijing's neighboring city of Tianjin. Three former champions will be playing in the final four.

Norway defeated host China 1-0 on Sunday in Wuhan before a crowd of 52,000 that stayed until the end, waving flags and lighting flares as the Chinese made a last offensive push.

Brazil figures to be quick and tricky Thursday when it meets the Americans in Hangzhou, the last step to the final Sunday in Shanghai.

The U.S. defeated Brazil 2-0 three months ago in New York, a physical game played without Marta. The Americans also defeated Brazil in the 2004 Olympic final — 2-1 in extra time — and 2-0 in a group game in the Olympics.

"Brazil's primary tactic was fouling us to break our rhythm," Ryan said, referring to the game three months ago. "We had more of the ball, and their response to that was just to foul. Brazil has tried to break our rhythm by chopping our players down."

"The last time we played Brazil, they didn't even try to play football — they just kicked us from behind," Ryan added.

Still, Ryan is fully aware that Brazil can play. The women, in some respects, mirror the style of the famed men's teams led over the years by Rivaldo, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. They also go by a single name, fashioning goals by duping defenders with backheel passes and start-and-stop fakes while hovering over the ball.