SHANGHAI, 30 September 2007
Germany created history by becoming the first team ever to retain the FIFA Women’s World Cup as they defeated Brazil 2-0 in Shanghai on Sunday evening. Birgit Prinz and Simone Luadehr were the goalscoring heroes, while goalkeeper Nadine Angerer maintained her incredible 100% clean sheet record with a brilliant penalty save from top scorer Marta.
Brazil gave the defending champions a tough time and had by far the better share of possession, but in the end could not find a way through a strong German defence expertly marshaled by Ariane Hingst.
The contrasting styles of play made for an exciting encounter. Brazil used their pace and close control to try and get behind the backline, while Germany’s build up was often more patient and deliberate, looking to carve a path their way through. Both sides had their chances in a fiercely contested first half.
For Brazil, Formiga could only manage to stab the ball wide after a Daniela free kick caused a scramble in the box, while Daniela herself saw a spectacular volley hit the post with the goalkeeper well beaten. As the half wore on, Brazil were left to try their luck from distance as Germany continued to deny them that final yard of space they needed to get a clear chance on goal.
Despite this Brazilian pressure, Germany had the better clear-cut chances, with Garefrekes and Smisek failing to find the target when given time and space in the penalty area.
They came out in the second half with renewed pace and decisiveness. This pressure took only seven minutes to pay off when Sandra Smisek got through the right channel and laid the ball back for Prinz, whose first-time shot had enough pace to go under Brazilian keeper Andreia.
The Germans were in front and everything about their body language said they had the strength and drive to remain so.
It was not without scares, however. Despite having timed countless tackles to perfection, on 64 minutes Linda Bresonik tripped Cristiane, giving the referee no option but to point to the spot. Marta’s spot kick lacked the power to get past Angerer, who was able to save to her right.
Obviously disappointed, Brazil refused to give up. Cristiane and Marta in particular ran themselves into the ground for the cause, but there was always a German body in the way.
As a final throw of the dice, Pretinha, scorer of the late, late winner against Denmark came on in place of Tania. But it was German substitute Fatmire Baramaj who won the corner from which Laudehr headed in their second and etched Germany’s on the trophy once more.
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