HANGZHOU (China), Sept 27: Brazil shocked the top-ranked United States 4-0 on Thursday in a dazzling display that set up a World Cup final with defending champions Germany.

On a horror night for the Americans at the Hangzhou Dragon Stadium, Leslie Osborne gifted the South Americans the lead with an own goal after 20 minutes and then superstar Marta got the second seven minutes later.

Cristiane bagged the third on 56 minutes and in a magical moment 2006 World Player of the Year Marta flicked the ball with the outside of her boot past a defender before drilling home for the fourth with 13 minutes left.

Compounding the US misery, experienced midfielder Shannon Boxx was sent off just before half-time, effectively ending any hope they had of getting their hands on the trophy for the third time.

The Samba Girls have been the surprise of the tournament, winning an army of fans with their attractive football, and now face their maiden final in Shanghai on Sunday against a German side that has yet to concede a goal.

The US, whose two-and-a-half year, 51-game unbeaten streak was ended, must now lift for a third-place play-off against Norway.—AFP