Tianjin, China (My Sportsbook) - Brazil was the most dominating team in the World Cup in the group stage, rolling to two easy wins before defeating sixth- ranked Denmark with numerous starters on the bench.

Brazil emerged from the opening stage being mentioned alongside Germany and the United States, teams that advanced to the semifinals on Saturday, as the top contenders for the Cup.

Ranked eighth by FIFA, Brazil has been a bit of a surprise after failing to win the South American qualifying tournament. But the Brazilians didn't play many of their top stars in that event.

Led by FIFA Player of the Year Marta, Brazil has dazzled in its first three games and outscored its opponents, 10-0.

But Brazil coach Jorge Barcellos cautions that the team's start doesn't mean anything. And just because the Brazilians are being mentioned as one of the best teams doesn't guarantee they will advance against upstart Australia on Sunday.

"As for whether we're favourites, I think every team left in the tournament is capable of winning the title," Barcellos told FIFA's website.

Still, Brazil is the obvious favourite to win and set up a showdown with the United States in the semifinals on Thursday.

Marta has showcased her skills with four goals - two each in wins over China and New Zealand - and has also helped set up other goals.

Christiane has also impressed, scoring three goals - including two against China.

But even though those two strikers have garnered the spotlight, Brazil has been just as strong on defense.

Goalie Andreia hasn't been tested often, but has been up to the challenge when called upon. She made two of her best saves early in group stage games to keep Brazil from falling behind.

Falling behind sure hasn't fazed Australia, which overcame a goal in just 31 seconds from Canada on Thursday to post a 2-2 tie and advance on a 90th-minute goal from Cheryl Salisbury.

Salisbury knows Brazil has a potent offense, but was quick to mention her side isn't so bad, either.

"Brazil can score goals but we have some great weapons ourselves," Salisbury told FIFA's website.

The best of Australia's weapons? You'll probably find her on the bench at the start of Sunday's game.

Lisa DeVanna has three goals and helped set up the tying goal against Canada but hasn't started a game in the tournament. She's come off the bench to start the second half of each game and has been one of the most valuable - if not the most valuable - player in the World Cup so far.

Just because Australia is in the quarterfinals doesn't mean coach Tom Sermanni is going to plug her into the starting lineup.

"At the moment things are working the way they are, so why fix something when it's not broken?" Sermanni told FIFA's website.

It's tough to argue with Sermanni. After all, Australia had never won a game in the World Cup before this year.

"We deserve to be here and hopefully we can keep going further," Australia's Collette McCallum told FIFA's website. "Over the past two years we've worked really hard to get together as a team and now with a little international experience under our belt we have shown that we can do well in the big games."

Sunday's games is the biggest yet for Australia, but Sermanni isn't putting anything past his club.

"This team," Sermanni said, "keeps surprising me,"