Womens World Cup - Germany to Final, US faces Brazil

Defending champion Germany reached the final of the Women's World Cup with a 3-0 victory over Norway on Wednesday.  Germany will play the winner of Thursday's United States-Brazil semifinal, with the final set for Sunday in Shanghai.  An own goal by Norway's Trine Ronning just before halftime set Germany on its way, and it dominated the second half, with goals by Kerstin Stegemann and Martina Mueller.  Germany's performance was reminiscent of its 3-0 win over the United States in the semifinals of the 2003 World Cup.

Germany has gone 529 minutes without conceding a World Cup goal, dating back to the 2003 tournament. That broke the record of China, which had gone 442 minutes with a clean sheet across the 1999 and 2003 events. For Norway, the loss was its first to European opposition at a World Cup, and an uncomfortable reminder of its 5-0 thumping in the semifinals of the 1999 World Cup.

US - Brazil in other Semifinal
U.S. coach Greg Ryan is bracing for Brazil. He knows the semifinal 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 is in the semifinals for the second time, matching its run in 1999.  US Coach Greg Ryan has decided to go with Branna Scurry in goal over Hope Solo.

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.