US Women Edge Brazil in Dramatic World Cup Quarterfinal

Posted July 10th, 2011 at 3:05 pm (UTC-5)
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The U.S. women's soccer team has staged a dramatic comeback to beat Brazil in the quarterfinals of the Women's World Cup in Germany, setting up a semifinal clash with France.

After the two teams ended 90 minutes of regulation time in a 1-1 tie, Brazil scored early in extra time to lead by one goal at the Dresden stadium. Brazil also had been playing with a one-woman advantage since the 65th minute, when Rachel Buehler of the United States received a red card.

With just seconds of injury time remaining in the second half of extra time, U.S. striker Abby Wambach headed into the Brazilian net to level the match and send it into a penalty shoot-out. The 122nd minute goal was the latest ever to be scored in a Women's World Cup match.

The United States converted its first three penalties and Brazil responded with two conversions, but U.S. keeper Hope Solo stopped Brazil's third with a one-handed diving save.

Both sides then converted their fourth spot kicks before U.S. defender Ali Krieger scored the fifth, winning the shootout and sending her American teammates racing onto the field in celebration.

Earlier Sunday, Sweden beat Australia 3-1 in Augsburg to earn a semifinal place against Japan.