Brazil will battle the US for the women's football title in a rematch of the final four years ago in Athens after decisive victories by both sides Monday.
In 2004, the Brazilians lost 2-1 in extra time.
Monday, Brazil came from a goal down to stun Germany 4-1. The victory was sweet revenge after a painful defeat to the European powerhouse in last year's World Cup final.
German soccer players celebrate teammate Birgit Prinz's goal next to Brazilian goalkeeper Barbara during the women's semifinal soccer match in Shanghai Stadium August 18 2008. [Agencies] |
The US took Japan for a 4-2 ride, keeping its title as the team to beat these Olympics.
Scoring machine
In the earlier match, Brazilian strikers Formiga, Marta and Cristiane did the damage, cancelling out a Birgit Prinz strike.
Prinz got the opener on 10 minutes after a nervy start by both sides. The German captain muscled her way into the box and rounded goalkeeper Barbara.
Rattled, Brazil looked to their three most creative players - Cristiane, Marta and Daniela - for inspiration.
With two minutes left in the half, Brazil's Cristiane sent a low cross into the box to the advancing Formiga who smashed it in from 20 meters.
Brazil came out after the break determined and were ahead within four minutes after Marta picked up the ball just inside her own half and went rampaging down the middle. Drawing the defenders, she laid off the ball to Cristiane in acres of space and the 23-year-old scored her fourth of the tournament.
Brazil had another on 53 minutes when Marta rounded two defenders and buried the ball. Then Cristiane danced past three defenders before cooly placing the ball past the oncoming Angerer with 14 minutes left. Germany now has a chance at bronze. It if wins, it will be the third bronze in a row for the side.
US comes back
Late in the evening, the US overcame an early Japanese lead. Angela Hucles scored a goal in each half to lead the side to a 4-2 win over Japan.
Japan's Yukari Kinga opened the scoring in the 16th minute, but Hucles netted the equalizer from the six-meter line in the 41st and Lori Chalupny put the Americans ahead in the 44th.
Heather O'Reilly added to the lead with a long-range shot in the 70th, and Hucles closed the scoring Monday in the 80th with a crossing shot that caught Japan goalkeeper Miho Fukumoto by surprise.
Japan scored again with Eriko Arakawa in injury time.
Agencies