(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-09-26 16:20

HANGZHOU -- Athens Olympic runners-up Brazil, with world-class striker Marta, are seeking a revenge and end the United States' incredible 51-game regular-time unbeaten run in the semi-final of 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup.

In the most eye-catching duel in Hangzhou on Thursday night, Marta, the star taking the top of scorer tally with five goals, will definitely demonstrate her amazing dribbling skill and scoring instinct again, trying to smash the US solid defense. US conceded only two goals so far at this World Cup.

Brazil's Marta scores a penalty past Australia's goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri during their quarter-final soccer match against Australia in the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup at Tianjin Olympic Center Stadium in Tianjin September 23, 2007. [Reuters]

Brazil, eighth on FIFA women's ranking in June, have not taken any World Cup or Olympic titles. Their best result was the runners-up in Athens 2004 where they lost 2-1 to the United States in extra time of the final.

The United States, world No 1, boast two World Cup champions (1991, 1999) and two Olympic gold medals (1996, 2004). They are the only team to settle in the top three of all four previous World Cup events.

They finished third in 1995 and 2003. Their only loss under coach Greg Ryan was in penalty shootout to Germany back in March 2006.

In the World Cup history, the United States still lead the all-time rankings for matches played, wins and goals scored. They played the maximum six matches in each of the four World Cup events with 20 wins, two draws, two defeats, 73 goals for and 18 against.

In the ongoing tournament in China, the United States tied world No 5 DPR Korea 2-2 in the Group B opener, then beat world No 3 Sweden and African champions Nigeria 2-0 and 1-0 respectively to lead the "Group of Death". They went on to crush world No 12 England 3-0 in the quarter-final.

At least, the Americans have kept the all-time record of matches played in the five World Cup events.

The remarkable Kristine Lilly, a 36-year-old veteran, is still one of the best players in the world. She is the only woman who appears in all the World Cup events.

With around 120 goals in her over 300 international caps, Lilly is still the leading striker of the United States. She scored one at this World Cup in the quarter-final.

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