(Agencies)
Updated: 2007-09-27 22:36

Forced to push for the goal in the second half, the US left itself exposed at the back with Maycon, Daniela and Cristiane narrowly missing in the opening minutes. Cristiane finally broke through in the 56th to make it 3-0, left-footing a shot home in a one-on-one contest with Scurry.

The Americans had only two shots on goal in the first half and top striker Abby Wambach was never a factor. Kristine Lilly, playing in a record fifth World Cup, had the best US chance in the second half but her point-blank shot landed in Andreia's hands in the 63rd.

After the third goal, Brazil slowed the play as the Americans kept pressing for a face-saving strike.

Brazil last flurry came in the 79th when Marta showed off all her talent.

Off the left wing, she faked around US defender Tina Ellertson, raced into the box, dummied around another and beat Scurry with a shot that drew a huge ovation from a crowd of 48,000.

Scurry, the 36-year-old veteran who was coach Greg Ryan's surprise goalkeeping choice against Brazil, had a nervous first half. In the 7th minute she came out to catch a free kick, but it slipped through her fingers, although Brazil missed a chance go score early.

Scurry, playing in her 164th game for the US, was picked ahead of Hope Solo, who started the first four games for the US in the World Cup. She gave up two goals in the first match but was unbeaten for the following 300 minutes.

Ryan said he picked Scurry because of her quick reflexes. She was in goal in a 2-0 win over Brazil in June in New York, and she also was the keeper in the Americans' 2-1 victory over Brazil in the 2004 Olympic final. Badly outplayed in that match, Scurry was credited with bringing the Americans gold.

Brazil's victory was only it second over the United States in 23 games.

Despite winning Group B, the Americans seldom looked threatening on offense in this tournament, and was unable to sustain the form of its 3-0 victory over England in the quarterfinals.

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