United States coach Greg Ryan had nothing but praise for Brazil after the South Americans swept aside the world number one ranked team to reach the final of the Women's World Cup.
Brazil romped to a 4-0 victory over the USA, the largest defeat they have ever suffered and ended their 51 match unbeaten run.
It also keeps alive Brazil's hopes of an historic first World Cup victory, although they will first have to overcome defending champions Germany in Sunday's final in Shanghai.
Ryan had made the surprise decision to replace goalkeeper Hope Solo, who had been first-choice shotstopper for all their previous games in the tournament, with Briana Scurry.
But there was nothing Scurry could do to prevent the opening goal when Leslie Osborne headed into her own net.
The United States also had Shannon Boxx sent off while Brazil added further goals through Cristiane and a brace from Marta.
"First I want to congratulate Brazil, who played an absolutely fantastic game tonight," said Ryan.
"I also want to say that I am very proud of my own girls, who don't forget had gone 51 games unbeaten going into this match.
"Shannon Boxx getting sent off so early completely changed the game.
"Yes, Brazil looked great, but we had to chase them round the park for the whole second half with 10 players.
"We made the adjustment to go 3-4-2, which was geared towards attacking but also towards keeping Brazil from getting more, but you can't reckon for a player like Marta."
Brazil coach Jorge Barcellos hailed his players' spirit as they once again served up a stunning display of football.
The Canarinha have conceded just two goals in their five games in the tournament and their pacey attack tore apart the 10 players of the USA in the second half.
"In football, nothing is impossible - that's what I'm always telling my players," he said.
"For Brazil, this was a perfect win tonight and I congratulate my players not only for their performance but for their strong desire to win.
"You could see that desire in their aggressive play. For me, it is always more important to win the match than to play beautiful football.
"A result is down to several factors, so although we won 4-0, I would have been as happy had it been 1-0."
It also keeps alive Brazil's hopes of an historic first World Cup victory, although they will first have to overcome defending champions Germany in Sunday's final in Shanghai.
Ryan had made the surprise decision to replace goalkeeper Hope Solo, who had been first-choice shotstopper for all their previous games in the tournament, with Briana Scurry.
But there was nothing Scurry could do to prevent the opening goal when Leslie Osborne headed into her own net.
The United States also had Shannon Boxx sent off while Brazil added further goals through Cristiane and a brace from Marta.
"First I want to congratulate Brazil, who played an absolutely fantastic game tonight," said Ryan.
"I also want to say that I am very proud of my own girls, who don't forget had gone 51 games unbeaten going into this match.
"Shannon Boxx getting sent off so early completely changed the game.
"Yes, Brazil looked great, but we had to chase them round the park for the whole second half with 10 players.
"We made the adjustment to go 3-4-2, which was geared towards attacking but also towards keeping Brazil from getting more, but you can't reckon for a player like Marta."
Brazil coach Jorge Barcellos hailed his players' spirit as they once again served up a stunning display of football.
The Canarinha have conceded just two goals in their five games in the tournament and their pacey attack tore apart the 10 players of the USA in the second half.
"In football, nothing is impossible - that's what I'm always telling my players," he said.
"For Brazil, this was a perfect win tonight and I congratulate my players not only for their performance but for their strong desire to win.
"You could see that desire in their aggressive play. For me, it is always more important to win the match than to play beautiful football.
"A result is down to several factors, so although we won 4-0, I would have been as happy had it been 1-0."
Copyright (c) Press Association
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