Women’s World Cup Final & Third Place Previews
du Nord, September 29, 2007
by du Nord reader AdamFinalGermany v Brazil-Sun Sep 306:55am on ESPN2After soundly beating the Norwegians 3-0 in the semis, Germany became the only team in Women’s World Cup history to reach the final without conceding a single goal. The team’s offense also leads the competition, finding net 19 times.And Brazil is right behind them.For a team known to have a questionable defense, Brazil only allowed 2 goals throughout the tournament. They’re also second to Germany in scoring, with 17 goals. And, because it can’t be reiterated enough, Brazil has Marta.Marta scored twice against the USA in the semifinals, becoming the tournament’s leading scorer with 7 goals. But Brazil showed in that semifinal match that its offense doesn’t have to go through Marta alone. Cristiane bagged a goal, too, and looked dangerous on several occasions. And, midfielders Daniela, Formiga, and Maycon ran the US defense ragged all game long.Germany counters Brazil’s offensive firepower with stalwart Kerstin Stegemann, who has been her tea