Samba beat

Brazil blanks U.S. U-17s 3-0 in quarters

TURKU, Finland (AP) -- TURKU, Finland (AP) -- Brazil scored two goals in a 3-minute span in the second half and beat the United States 3-0 in the quarterfinals of the Under-17 World Soccer Championships on Sunday.

Ederson and Evandro scored second-half goals as Brazil, unbeaten in four games, advanced to play Colombia in Wednesday's semifinals.

Argentina will face Spain, a 5-2 quarterfinal winner over Portugal, in the other semifinal.

"The players did what they needed to do today," Brazil coach Paqueta said. "The boys showed their technique today, and I believe we are getting better with every game."

Leonardo scored on a brilliant header in the 18th minute to give Brazil an early lead. Jonathan set up the goal, first faking Freddy Adu on the right side before crossing the ball into the box.

Ederson lobbed the ball over goalkeeper Phil Marfuggi and into the far corner in the 61st minute.

Evandro scored just three minutes later, converting a rebound after of spectacular save by Marfuggi.

"I don't feel like we have just been through a 3-0 game," American coach John Ellinger said.

"My hat is off to Brazil. They have a wonderful team and they grabbed two crucial goals right when we were getting back into the game."

Brazil's margin of victory could have been bigger. Ederson shot just wide with 2 minutes left, and Felipe shot straight at Marfuggi when left unmarked inside the box.

The Americans' best scoring chance came in the 61st when Steven Curfman curled a free kick past the wall. But Brazilian goalkeeper Bruno dived to the right and stopped the low shot.