Ryan Expects Rough Brazil Match

While most observers are concerned about Brazil’s penchant for attack flair, U.S. Women’s National team coach Greg Ryan also has his mind on another Samba Queens tactic for their World Cup semifinal meeting.

The last time the teams met, a 2-0 U.S. victory early in the summer, hard fouls were the rule of the day.

"Brazil's primary tactic was fouling us to break our rhythm," recalled Ryan. "We had more of the ball, and their response to that was just to foul."

"Brazil has tried to break our rhythm by chopping our players down... they just kicked us from behind," he added.

"I'm going to do whatever I can to request that we get a referee who understands the difference between a reckless foul and a hard challenge."

For more soccer news from around the globe visit Soccer365