Brazil seek revenge to end US 51-game unbeaten run
Updated: 2007-09-26 16:20
Furthermore, Lily gets strong supports from a new generation of talents, such as striker Abby Wambach, who now has collected four goals at the 2007 World Cup and boast an astonishing goals-to-games ratio for the United States.
With 10 goals for and none against, Brazil eased to top Group D, whitewashing underdogs New Zealand 5-0 and hosts China 4-0 before edging world No 6 Denmark 1-0.
Although conceding two goals to new AFC member Australia in the quarter-final, Brazil won 3-2 with a late goal.
So far, both teams have no suspensions or injuries.
Although the United States have won 18 of 22 encounters with Brazil, including a 5-0 in 1991 and 2-0 in 1999 World Cup events, the emergence of Marta, the FIFA best player of 2006, can make all the difference.
"Marta is one of the most talented players in the world. Her presence on the field will make them a much more dangerous team attacking," said Greg Ryan.
In the US-England quarter-final, American defensive midfielder Leslie Osborne successfully marked England's key attacker Kelly Smith. But no one knows if she can hinder Marta.
"The United States have many quality players. I cannot predict the result between them and us but anything is possible," said Brazil coach Jorge Barcellos.
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