Germany ready to blunt Brazil magic in World Cup final

Brazilian forward Marta celebrates after scoring against China during their Women's World Cup match in Wuhan, 15 September 2007. Rock-solid Germany are confident they can blunt the magic of Brazil and their sensational striker Marta as they go in search of a second successive World Cup title.

Rock-solid Germany are confident they can blunt the magic of Brazil and their sensational striker Marta as they go in search of a second successive World Cup title on Sunday.

Germany's watertight defence, anchored by goalkeeper Nadine Angerer, have yet to concede a goal in their five matches so far, an unprecedented achievement in the tournament's 16-year history.

But if anyone can open the floodgates it is Marta, the 2006 World Player of the Year whose flamboyant skills against the United States in their semi-final set the tournament on fire.

At the core of the German defence has been veteran Kerstin Stegemann, who will have the task of putting a lid on Marta.

Stegemann, who has 164 caps, turned 30 on Saturday but celebrations were put on ice with the biggest game of her life looming.

"I'm sure that we can defend our title, but the final will come down to whoever plays better on the day, and that's why we need to make sure our preparation for it is perfect," she said.

"There will be enough time for celebrations afterwards."

With successive 3-0 wins over two highly regarded opponents in North Korea and Norway, Germany can look forward to the match with a genuine sense of optimism.

Silvia Neid's squad have struggled on occasion but always raised their game when circumstances required.

But Brazil will be a different challenge, showing both aggression and style in their stunning 4-0 crushing of the world's top-ranked team, the United States, on Thursday.

German captain Birgit Prinz, herself a former World Player of the Year, believes her side are well-equipped to deal with the South Americans.

"We're working well as a team and we're helping each other," said Prinz, who is playing in her fourth World Cup and brings a wealth of experience to the side.

Germany's Kerstin Garefrekes (L) celebrates her teammate's goal against North Korea at the FIFA Women's World Cup quarter-final in Wuhan, 22 September 2007. Rock-solid Germany are confident they can blunt the magic of Brazil and their sensational striker Marta as they go in search of a second successive World Cup title.

"The secret of our success is our belief in ourselves. That's unbelievably important."

Brazilian coach Jorge Barcellos knows his team are on the verge of a major breakthrough, having never got this far before, but remains grounded, aware of the threat from a German side that has already scored 19 goals.

"Germany is a very strong team and we need to make plans," he said after their semi-final.

"Now, we are still nothing and we still have a long way to go to beat Germany in the final."

The duel between Marta, the tournament's leading scorer with seven goals, and the German defence will be pivotal, although she modestly plays down her part in the team's success.

"We are creating history by making the final and that is not down to me, it is down to a great performance by our team," she said.

"My goal is always to be the best and that is why I work so hard, but without my teammates I would be nothing."

Ahead of the final here on Sunday, a dejected United States must rally for a third-place play-off against 1995 champions Norway.

Coach Greg Ryan has come under fierce criticism for recalling veteran goalkeeper Briana Scurry for the clash with Brazil.

Her bungling display drew a furious responce from the dropped Hope Solo and who he picks for the Norway game will closely watched with tensions in the team clearly running high.

Norway have their own problems with coach Bjarne Berntsen admitting he faces an uphill battle lifting his shattered team for the play-off.

"We came here to fight for a medal and we don't have a medal yet," he said.

"We have to work very hard for Sunday to get the team prepared and to get the team used to the disappointment of losing a semi-final."