The USA-Brazil history is a long one, dating back to 1986 and includes a Women’s World Cup match in 1991, but the rivalry took a whole new meaning on Dec 13, 1997, when Brazil defeated the USA for the first time. Brazil defeated the Americans, 1-0, with a goal from Roseli on a steamy Saturday evening at Canindo Stadium in Sao Paulo and ushered in a new era for the South Americans. Brazil shocked the world with a fourth-place finish at the 1996 Olympics, but despite losing to Norway 2-0 in the bronze medal match, served notice that a new force in women’s international soccer had arrived. Brazil’s third-place finish at USA ’99, this time taking revenge on Norway in a penalty kick shootout, showed that ’96 was no fluke. However, the United States has seemingly had Brazil’s number recently, going 4-0-1 against Brazil since winning, 2-0, in the 1999 Women’s World Cup semifinals, getting goal from Cindy Parlow and Michelle Akers. Since losing to Brazil in 1997, the USA has allowed just two goals to Brazil in eight matches, both of those coming in a 4-2 victory during the Nike U.S. Women’s Cup ’99. The United States played Brazil twice at the 2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup, tying 0-0 in group play as Kristine Lilly had her late penalty kick saved by Andreia, but then pulled of a 1-0 victory in the championship game on a goal from Tiffeny Milbrett. The most recent meeting between the two teams was a 4-0 victory for the United States in San Jose, Calif. on Sept. 1 in both team’s final match before the Olympics. The United States is 13-1-2 all-time against the perennial South American champions. Brazil has brought a similar team to the Olympics from its 1999 Women’s World Cup side, with Golden Boot winner Sissi in the midfield along with Formiga and Cidinha, while the always dangerous Pretinha and Katia roam the forward line, with equally as effective forwards Maicon and Roseli coming off the bench. HISTORY BOOK Women’s World Cup ’99 Semifinals July 4 in Stanford, Calif. USA 2 Brazil 0. Goals: Parlow 5, Akers (pen.) 80. USA — Scurry, Chastain, Sobrero, Overbeck, Fawcett, Lilly, Akers, Foudy, Hamm (Fair, 85), Milbrett (Fotopoulos, 88), Parlow (MacMillan, 62). Brazil — Maravilha, Suzana (Maicon, 70), Tania, Elane, Nene, Cidinha, Juliana, Formiga, Sissi, Pretinha, Katia. Yellow cards: USA — Akers 90; Brazil — Tania 13, Sissi 41, Katia 90. Referee: Katriina Elovirta (Finland). Att.: 73,123.