Shanghai, China (My Sportsbook) - Germany coach Silvia Neid admitted her team can't match Brazil's individual talent in Sunday's World Cup championship, but that doesn't mean it can't repeat as champions.

"There's no way we can match the Brazilians player for player," Neid said on FIFA's website. "What we need to do is give them as little space as possible and make sure we have a numerical advantage in every situation.

"I think we can beat them if we can do that."

Germany is unbeaten in 11 straight games in the World Cup dating back to 2003 and can become the first team to repeat as World Cup champions. Germany is the first defending champion to return to a final.

Led by three-time FIFA Player of the Year Birgit Prinz, Germany has looked as dominant as ever during the tournament.

With the exception of a 0-0 draw with England, Germany has won every game by at least two goals while piling up 19 and not allowing any in the tournament.

The German defense has been perfect through five games, but they haven't faced an offense as dynamic as the Brazilians. It will once again be up to Germany's defense, led by veteran Ariane Hingst to quietly lead the team to a title.

It's been a great tournament for Germany's defense, which just last year took a huge blow when Steffi Jones, arguably Germany's best defender, retired from international play.

"I think the fact that we've played five games without conceding a single goal says it all really," Hingst told FIFA's website.

Germany's last big test is a Brazilian team led by reigning FIFA Player of the Year Marta, who leads all scorers in the tournament with seven goals.

Although Hingst believes Germany has played very well on defense, it still has to put together an even better effort in the final.

"I think a lot of our players have got better as the tournament has gone on. And we'll be looking to step up another notch in the final," said Hingst, who has made 139 appearances for Germany.

Germany goalie Nadine Angerer was a question mark early in the tournament but has displayed her abilities as a top goalie. The Germans will have their usual defense on Sunday, but midfielder Melanie Behringer is doubtful with a thigh injury.

If Behringer, who left in the first half of a 3-0 victory over Norway in the semifinals can't play, Germany will turn to 19-year-old Fatmire Bajramaj. It would cost the Germans a veteran presence in midfield, but whether Brazil is able to exploit the young player remains to be seen.

Brazil enters the final completely healthy, but has to be concerned just how fresh its players will be after not using a substitute in Thursday's 4-0 win over the United States in the semifinals.

Marta, just 21, looked fresh through the entire game against the Americans, but the Brazilians had a man advantage for the entire second half.

Just how Marta and fellow dynamic striker Cristiane bounce back on such short rest could be a huge factor in Sunday's final, especially in the late stages of the match or overtime.

It's a scenario Germany can hope for, because Marta has proven why she is the top player in the world. Along with her seven goals, which are usually set up by her own spectacular moves, she has set up numerous other goals.

Cristiane, only overshadowed by Marta, has five goals and is just as accurate and dynamic as Marta. The duo, along with their teammates, can strike without notice as part of a very quick offense.

Although there's never been a question about Brazil's offense, its defense is just starting to earn respect. Brazil has allowed just two goals, both in the quarterfinals to Australia.

Brazil's defense played well against the United States, but it didn't face a full-strength side in the second half.

Goalie Andreia has looked solid, making two huge saves early in games to keep Brazil from falling behind. She'll have to be sharp on set pieces against the Germans, who are deadly in the air.

"Germany are a very strong team, very powerful," Brazil coach Jorge Barcellos said on FIFA's website. "We're full of confidence though, and in finals it's always the team that makes the fewest mistakes that comes out on top."

Germany is trying to join the United States as the only two-time champs, and Brazil is searching for its first crown. Brazil was third in 1999.

"I hope we can produce our very best football and that the Germans are right on form as well," Barcellos said.