Shanghai, China (My Sportsbook) - Birgit Prinz scored and Nadine Angerer stopped a penalty kick by Brazil's Marta as Germany became the first team to repeat as Women's World Cup champions with a 2-0 victory on Sunday. Prinz, a three-time FIFA Player of the Year, scored in the 52nd minute, and Angerer stopped the penalty attempt by reigning FIFA Player of the Year Marta in the 64th minute as Germany completed its run without allowing a goal. Simone Laudehr also scored for Germany, which joined the United States as the only two-time champions in the Women's World Cup. Germany defended its crown with one of the best tournament's in the history of the Women's World Cup, outscoring its opponents 21-0 in six games. Although Germany tied England 0-0 in the group stage, it won the rest of its matches by at least two goals. Germany posted 3-0 victories over North Korea in the quarterfinals and Norway in the semifinals. Prinz, who was named the top player in the world in 2003, 2004 and 2005, had five goals in the tournament to lead Germany. But she couldn't repeat as the Golden Shoe winner as the tournament's top scorer and Golden Ball winner as the tournament's top player. Marta, who had seven goals to lead Brazil to its first final, won both awards. More details to follow ... |
