WASHINGTON - Brazil won its group in the Women's World Cup

on Saturday, advancing to the quarterfinals with a 1-1 tie against

France.

Brazil (2-0-1) finished first in Group B and most likely will

avoid a matchup against defending champion United States in the

next round. The Brazilians will play the second-place team from

Group A in the quarterfinals Wednesday.

The Brazilians, showing the youthful flair so often displayed by

their men's team, scored eight goals and allowed just two in three

games.

Katia scored her fourth goal of the tournament in the 58th

minute, capitalizing on a rare error by otherwise outstanding

goalkeeper Celine Marty.

Marty, who two superb point-blank saves on Katia in the first

half, hesitated as she and Katia charged to meet a long ball from

Maicon that bounced at the top of the box. Katia had the momentum

to chip in the half-volley for the game's first score.

France (1-1-1) salvaged a draw in the second-half injury time

when 2002 WUSA MVP Marinette Pichon scored from 12 yards. Pichon

scored France's only two goals in the tournament.

France, making its World Cup debut, needed a big victory to have

a chance at advancing and played with more energy and persistence

in the first half. But France's task became nearly impossible when

Norway took a big lead against South Korea in Boston, and Brazil's

better talent persevered after halftime.