SportsLine wire reports

PASADENA, Calif. -- Brazil, considered the most improved women's team in the world, took third place in the World Cup on Saturday by beating Norway 5-4 on penalty kicks.

Just as in the last World Cup game Brazil played in the Rose Bowl, the 1994 men's final, a 0-0 tie led to a shootout. The Brazilians won that over Italy to take the crown, and they did the same thing to the Norwegians.

But they needed to go one extra round after the teams were tied 4-4 through the required five shots.

Then Ann Kristin Aarones, Norway's dangerous striker, put the ball over the net. That left it up to Formiga and the Brazilian midfielder sent a low shot into the right side of the net.

Brazil won the first shootout in the three Women's World Cups without the help of stars Pretinha and Sissi. Pretinha shot over the net on Brazil's first try, and Sissi didn't even shoot.

After Formiga won it, the Brazilians sped toward her and goalkeeper Maravilha, burying both of them in a pile of celebratory humanity.

MOST OF THE EARLY SCORING chances were by Norway, which lacked marksmanship. While Brazil couldn't even get into the penalty area with the ball, the defending champion Norwegians often flowed quickly upfield.

But when they got in position, nothing.

Then the Brazilians came alive, sparked by speedy winger Pretinha. Her breakaway effort was saved by a diving Nordby in the 71st minute. Moments later, Sissi, who scored seven goals in the tournament, sent a left-footed shot from a sharp angle just past an unguarded net.

That led to the shootout - FIFA suspended the 30-minute extra period for the game - and Brazil's victory.