Brazil handed the United States their first loss in 51 games in World Cup semifinal action, getting two goals from playmaker Marta in the 4-0 victory.

The US had come into the match with three straight shutouts, but coach Greg Ryan made the highly unusual decision of replacing Hope Solo with Brianna Scurry, despite her recent lack of experience with the first team.

Solo had started 15 of the last 19 games and had been the first choice keeper for the last two years, but Ryan cited Scurry's ability to make reaction type saves against a very creative Brazilian side as the reason for the change.

While the US had their share of chances in the first half, an own goal in the 20th minute from Leslie Osborne and Shannon Boxx's sending off in first half injury time were too much for Ryan's side to overcome.

The US Women forced Brazil keeper Andreia into making two tough saves in the opening minutes, first with Kristine Lilly putting a cracker on net and then Boxx placing a header on goal in the sixth minute.

Communication between Scurry and her back line finally broke down in the 20th minute when a Brazil corner kick headed for nothing but white shirts turned into the opening score. Scurry seemed to be waiting to collect, but Osborne attempted to head the skipping ball clear only to see it land in her own net.

Some poor defending and goalkeeping led to the Brazilians' second goal when Marta won a ball from Stephanie Lopez, raced past Kate Markgraf as she entered the top corner of the box and finished past a diving Scurry.

The Yellow Shirts received a little help to close the first half, when referee Nicole Petignat handed Boxx a dubious second yellow.

With Marta leading a counterattack up the center, Brazilian forward Cristiane ran over Boxx from behind, sending the two players down in a heap - 10 yards from the ball. Petignat's decision to book the American left the US shorthanded for the remainder of the second half.

Brazil came out looking for their third and Maycon almost found it when her deflected shot traveled just past Scurry's post.

With the US pushing forward trying to get on the board, the Brazilians punished them with a counterattack in the 56th minute. Renata sprinted up the left hand side and found Cristiane all alone 20 yards out, where she had all the time she needed to easily slot to Scurry's right.

The fourth would come following a brilliant show of skill from Marta.

More than 20 yards out from goal and her back to defender Tina Ellertson, the Brazilian superstar flicked the ball to her left, ran round Ellertson to the right and beat Cat Whitehill before firing to Scurry's right to bring the score to 4-0.

With the win, Brazil are set to face Germany in the final on Sunday, while the US will play in the third place game against Norway.

Scoring
BRA - Own Goal (Leslie Osborne) 20'
BRA - Marta 27'
BRA - Cristiane (Renata Costa) 56'
BRA - Marta (Renata Costa) 80'

Line-ups
USA - Briana Scurry; Christie Rampone, Kate Markgraf (Marian Dalmy 74'), Cat Whitehill, Stephanie Lopez (Carli Lloyd 46'), Shannon Boxx, Leslie Osborne, Lori Chalupny, Heather O’Reilly (Tina Ellertson 60'), Abby Wambach, Kristine Lilly

BRA - Andreia; Elaine, Aline, Tania, Renata Costa, Daniela, Formiga, Maycon, Ester, Marta, Cristiane