BRASILIA, September 21 -- Australian women's basketball team beat its Brazilian rival 88-76 on Thursday in the semifinal of the sport's World Championship in Sao Paulo.

The Australian team turned around a game that had begun badly for them, thanks to great teamwork.

The first quarter ended 21-21 and at the end of the first half Brazil ended with the slightest lead at 40-39. After the third period, Brazil was ahead at 64-57, which fired the crowd at Sao Paulo's Ibirapuera Stadium.

But in the first few minutes of the last quarter, the Australians had a seven-point haul, taking the lead at 69-68. From then on the visiting team kept the lead, managing to end the game 12 points ahead.

Australia is now waiting for the winner of the Russia-United States game. Brazil faces the loser for bronze.