Brazil Stuns US Women in Cup Semifinal

Brazil thrashed the US, 4-0, in the Women’s World Cup semifinals today in Hangzhou, China, the worst loss in the program's history. The match was “over at halftime,” the Chicago Tribune writes, with the Americans down two goals—and one player, after Shannon Boxx received two yellow cards. Brazil faces Germany in Sunday's final; the US plays Norway for third place.

Brazil ended a streak of eight consecutive losses to the US—and the “long golden age” of American soccer—by being “too fast, too clever, too fearless.” The Brazilians got two goals from Marta, who has a tournament-best seven in five games. A goalie switch by US coach Greg Ryan backfired, as veteran Briana Scurry made several crucial gaffes. (More Women's World Cup stories.)