Germany and Brazil are about to face each other Sunday in the Women’s World Cup football final in China.  VOA’s Jim Stevenson reports from Shanghai, where the championship game will feature two contrasting styles of play.

German coach Silvia Neid says her team will be facing a technically talented Brazilian team.

“Brazil is especially [talented] with the ball, handling the ball,” she said.

The Brazilians outplayed the United States in the semifinals, defeating the heavily favored American women, 4-0.  Although the South Americans appeared scattered at times, individual performances in that contest were among the best ever seen in a Women’s World Cup match.

Cristiane scored against the United States to push her tournament total to five goals.  Only Brazilian teammate Marta has more.  Her two strikes in the semifinal gave her a tournament leading seven goals.

All-time leading Women’s World Cup scorer Birgit Prinz of Germany is among five players who have four tournament goals.  Germany has yet to allow a score at this year’s World Cup, and Prinz says a group effort will be needed to stop Marta.

“We try to work as a team,” she said.  “We are not playing man against man.  It is always a team effort.  And that is what we are trying to do against Marta.”

Germany is the defending champion and a win will make that nation the first to claim consecutive Women’s World Cup titles.  Brazil is aiming for its first championship in its first trip to the finals.

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