Germany scores second World Cup

SHANGHAI, China – The unstoppable scorer from Brazil and the unbeatable goalkeeper from Germany stared at each other from 12 yards away – the outcome of the Women’s World Cup perhaps resting on this penalty kick.

The confrontation was won by goalie Nadine Angerer. And the World Cup was again won by Germany, a 2-0 victory in the final Sunday that was underlined by a flawless, unyielding defense.

“After the penalty save, I felt it was meant to be,” Germany coach Silvia Neid said.

In the third-place game Sunday, the United States defeated Norway 4-1 behind two goals by Abby Wambach.

Angerer was backed by goals from Birgit Prinz in the 52nd minute and Simone Laudehr in the 86th, and Germany became the first women’s soccer team to successfully defend a World Cup or Olympic title.

“We worked hard for each other,” Neid said. “It was a great team performance. It was important to work against Marta.”

It was Marta, the Brazilian scoring sensation, whom Angerer faced in the 62nd minute. Brazil trailed 1-0, the prospect still alive for the nation’s first Women’s World Cup title.

Marta was the tournament’s top scorer with seven goals in five games. Angerer had not conceded a single goal all tournament.

The goalkeeper then put some soccer psychology to work. She dived to her right, using her legs to block the low shot. She bounced to her feet and cried out in triumph as her exultant teammates rushed her.

Germany went through six games in the tournament without giving up a goal and outscored the opposition 21-0.