Julie Foudy headed in the winning goal in the final minute to give the U.S. women’s national team a 2-1 victory over Brazil in Taubate Nov. 11. Brazil opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, as U.S. keeper Tracy Ducar misplayed a through ball, allowing it to skid into the penalty box, where Brazilian forward Pretinha chased it down and chipped it into the net from a tight angle. The skillful Brazilians held the U.S. to just three first-half shots, showing that their fourth-place finish in the 1996 Olympics was not a fluke. The U.S. came back in the second half, with Mia Hamm connecting on her 81st international goal to tie the match in the 58th minute. Carla Overbeck sent a long pass on the ground to Tiffeny Milbrett about ten yards past midfield. Milbrett then threaded a pass through two defenders to a streaking Hamm on the left side. She cut sharply inside, splitting the same two defenders on the dribble, and slotted a shot into the left corner from 19 yards out. The winning goal began on the right wing, where Sara Whalen, fresh off an appearance with Connecticut at the NCAA Women’s Final Four, fed Kristine Lilly at the right corner of the penalty box. Lilly took a touch inside before driving a left-footed cross to the far post, where Foudy used her head to redirect the ball into the right corner from six yards. “Brazil has joined the elite in women’s international soccer,” said U.S. coach Tony DiCicco after the game. “Every team must be concerned with their rapid development. But once again, the pride and character of the U.S. team showed through, battling back to win the game in the final minute.” The two teams are scheduled to face each other again Dec. 13 in Sao Paulo. Dec. 11 in Taubate Brazil 1 USA 2. Goals: Pretinha 32; Hamm 58, Foudy 90. Brazil — Maravilha, Marisa, Andrela, Tania Maria, Renatinha (Nene, 46), Formiga, Pretinha, Cidinha, Katia (Valeria, 79(, Sissi, Roseli. USA — Ducar (Mead, 46), Overbeck, Chastain, Pearce, MacMillan, Foudy, Venturini, Lilly, Keller (Whalen, 55), Milbrett, Hamm. Yellow cards: Brazil — Nene 81; USA — MacMillan 38. Referee: Claudia Guedes (Brazil). Att.: 2,200.