2007 FIFA Women's World Cup: Germany defeats Brazil to retain championship

September 30, 2007

Germany beat Brazil to win their 2nd straight Women's World Cup.

Brazil controlled the majority of the possession throughout the game managing six shots on goal including a missed penalty from Marta. When asked about the saved penalty, After the penalty save, I felt it was meant to be, Germany coach Silvia Neid said.

For Germany, this culminated a tournament where they made history by became the 1st team to successfully defend their championship and didn't give up a single goal over the entire 540 minutes of play during the tournament. The last Goal that Germany gave up was in the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup Final when Sweden's Hanna Ljungberg scored in the 41st minute.

Quotes
Silvia Neid, Germany coach: "It was an evenly-balanced match in terms of chances, Brazil might even have had more, but we worked as a team, came out strongly in the second half and scored at the right time. Once Nadine Angerer saved the penalty, I was always confident we wouldn't concede. We worked together well, we stood tight in defence, we were close to our opponents and there was a determination there not to concede any goals. Before the tournament, we asked all the players to work." Jorge Barcellos, Brazil coach: It was a very tough game for us and one in which we missed lot of very good chances. The Germans only had a few chances but they took theirs well. This was especially important in the second half when we were one down and Marta missed such a critical penalty. But it's clear my players tried their best and I can only say I'm very sad with the result. The players are eager to win and that will help them play better in future. Nadine Angerer, Germany goalkeeper: I watched Brazil's game against Australia and although that time Marta went for the right corner with her penalty, I had a feeling that this time she would go for the left. So I decided to wait as long as possible - and it was the right decision. Cristiane, Brazil forward: Today we didn't play very well, we couldn't take our chances and Germany did, so that was the difference. It was a sad day but this team has done a very good job, we have 21 very talented players and I think we have given a very good example to the girls in Brazil.