Women's World Cup Quarter-finals:Brazil joined the only three teams to ever win the World Cup - the United States, Germany and Norway - in the semi-finals of the 2007 tournament after a controversial 3-2 victory over Australia yesterday in Tianjin, China.

Marta converted a penalty for Brazil in the first half kick, after a foul that was clearly outside the box.

And, in the closing minutes, the Brazilians were fortunate when an Australian player appeared to be taken down inside the box - the referee waving play on.

The questionable calls took some of the luster from one of the tournament's best games, which saw Brazil's Christiane score the winner in the 75th minute.

Brazil will play the US in the semi-final this Thursday.

On Saturday, England bowed out of the Women's World Cup in Tianjin, losing 3-0 in the quarter-finals to the United States - with Abby Wambach, Shannon Boxx and Kristine Lilly ending England's hopes during a 12-minute spell early in the second half.

China's dream of conquering the world on home soil came crashing down yesterday in Wuhan - where Isabell Herlovsen's 32nd-minute strike was enough to see Norway scrape through to a semi-final meeting with Germany on Wednesday.

Defending champions Germany were too strong for North Korea on Saturday in Wuhan - winning their semi-final 3-0. The Germans haven't conceded a goal so far in the tournament.