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Updated at 3:09 a.m., Friday, August 15, 2008

Brazil beats Norway 2-1 to reach Olympic semis

Associated Press

TIANJIN, China — Daniela scored with a dramatic 30-meter blast and Marta capitalized on a defensive lapse for another goal to lead Brazil past Norway 2-1 Friday, sending the South Americans to the women's Olympic football semifinals for the fourth straight time.

Daniela's goal in the 43rd minute was her second in three games and capped a half in which the Brazilians repeatedly attacked, sending in crosses that were easily cleared away. Marta used her speed to exploit a blunder by Martin Fiane Christensen and added another in the 57th.

Brazil will play its next match Monday in Shanghai.

Second-half substitute Siri Nordby restored hope to Norway in the 83rd, converting a penalty after Brazil goalkeeper Barbara brought down Elise Thorsnes by the ankles as she raced to ball in the area. Pushing players forward, the Norwegians twice threatened to equalize, but sent both attempts — a shot from distance by Melissa Wiik and a header by Solveig Gulbrandsen from six meters — over the bar.

Norway was coming off a 5-1 loss to Japan in its final group match three days earlier in which it surrendered five consecutive goals, four in the second half. It used a five-woman midfield with Thorsnes alone up front.

Countering with a 3-4-3 formation, Brazil was able to frequently penetrate the flanks and generate continual crosses. But the Norwegians usually filled the penalty area and defused any danger.

Daniela's goal came after she took the ball away from Leni Larsen Kaurin just outside the attacking third, took two touches and launched a shot from 30 meters that eluded the outstretched arm of Norway goalkeeper Erika Skarbo.

Brazil continued to push in the second half and Marta created her own opportunity by running past Fiane Christensen, after the Norway defender had touched the ball toward her own goal. After getting round Fiane Christensen, Marta lunged in to poke the ball over goalkeeper Erika Skarbo from just inside the area.

It was also Marta's second goal in three games and drew bows from teammate Tania as the Brazilians celebrated.

Norway, the 2000 Olympic champ which didn't even qualify for the 2004 Athens Games, went home after starting the tournament with a 2-0 victory over the gold medal favorite United States.