The Final - What to Expect

Germany v Brazil

This has a familiar ring to it. Anybody in the US who followed the 2002 World Cup remembers getting up early in the morning to watch the matches being played in South Korea and Japan. We remember the Final between Brazil and Germany. It's funny how the 2007 Women's World Cup brings us the same countries in the Final.

So much of this tournament has revolved around goalkeepers. Goalkeepers misplaying shots. Goalkeepers misjudging shots. We even had a semifinal goalkeeper controversy. For Germany's Angerer and Brazil's Andreia, it has been a relatively peaceful tournament. That's about to change.

These two goalkeepers and their defenses have been tested sometimes but not by the quality of the attacking squads they are about to face in the Final. There will be plenty of action in their goal areas and they will be asked to make numerous saves during this Final. They will not stop them all.

Germany's multi pronged attack will have Brazilian defenders scrambling to cover the front runners and all the late arriving options. Lingor will direct the attack with Prinz, Smisek, and Garefrekas each working to get in shooting positions. As quick as the Brazilian defenders are, I don't think they'll be able to cope with all the options Germany will have streaming forward.

On the other side, German defenders will have their own problems with the likes of Marta, Cristiane, Daniela, and Formiga making runs at them. Eventually, one or more Brazilians will shred the German defense with their speed & magical touches, and then it'll just be a question as to whether the attackers can finish their chances.

Don't get me wrong, there will be some great defensive efforts and the midfield play will be intense as each team tries to push the ball into the final third. It will, however, be an exciting Final and there will be plenty of opportunities & goals. Germany scored 19 goals and Brazil had 17 goals in their previous five matches. I think that each team will reach their approximate average in what is sure to be an instant classic.

Germany 4 Brazil 3