U.S. Women Defeat Brazil, 5-0, to Reach Soccer Quarterfinals

The United States finally beat Brazil at its own game, and, in winning Tuesday, 5-0, claimed a spot in the quarterfinals of the first World Championships in women’s soccer at Canton, China.

By effectively adopting the stylish ball-control system that has always characterized the South American team, the United States was able to shred the Brazilian defense and take a 4-0 lead in the first half.

“We beat Brazil by dribbling through their defense, using their style,” U.S. Coach Anson Dorrance said by phone from Canton. “The (first) half we played against Brazil may have been one of the best halves the U.S. has ever played. We played dynamic attacking soccer and finished some beautiful goals.”

April Heinrichs scored two goals and Carin Jennings, Michelle Akers-Stahl and Mia Hamm scored one each for the U.S. team, which defeated Sweden in its opening game Sunday. It was the third goal of the tournament for Jennings, of Palos Verdes.

Dorrance said the 11 players in Tuesday’s game amounted to a “dream lineup.” With injuries to four key players, the United States has been unable for four years to field its best team.

The United States will play Japan (0-2) Thursday in its final first-round game, but Dorrance said he was debating using the same lineup as he did against Brazil.

“If we do decide to start our reserves, Japan could beat us and it wouldn’t be an upset,” Dorrance said. “They have nothing to lose and everything to gain.”