Semi Final #2 - What to Expect

USA v Brazil

USA Coach Greg Ryan has caused quite the controversy with his ouster of Hope Solo as starting goalkeeper for this semifinal match against Brazil. He brings in veteran Briana Scurry based on his feeling that Scurry's shot stopping skills will be more important than Solo's stronger and more accurate leg. This may also signal more reliance on the USA possession attack than on the long ball offense they've employed throughout this tournament. How that will work against the very active Brazil team will be one of the important keys to the match.

Another will be how the USA defense copes with the play making & goal scoring abilities of Marta. Past USA v Brazil matches have usually turned into physical battles and that could be the case again as both defenses will probably be marking players very closely. This means that Wambach & Marta will draw plenty of attention and probably fouls close to the goal.

There should be goals in this match for both sides and I think we'll see penalties decide this match. That's where the abilities of Scurry will have to stand out. It'll be tense throughout.

USA 2 Brazil 2 - USA advancing on penalties.