SHANGHAI, Sept 30: Birgit Prinz’s goal in the 52nd minute and Simone Laudehr’s strike late in the game lifted Germany to a 2-0 victory over Brazil on Sunday, bringing the team its second conseutive women’s World Cup title.

Brazil star Marta, who has seven goals in the tournament, had a chance to tie the game in the second half, but her penalty was stopped by Germany keeper Nadine Angerer diving to her right.

Germany managed to hold off Brazil’s flowing attacks, which destroyed the United States 4-0 in the semifinal.
Germany set several records in winning the top prize in women’s soccer.

Germany is the first soccer team to go through a major senior competition without yielding a goal. Germany outscored the opposition 21-0.

Germany has not given up a goal in 619 minutes in the women’s World Cups. The last goal was scored four years ago in the finals against Sweden. China held the old record of 442 minutes.

Germany is also the first women’s soccer team to successfully defend its title in the World Cup or Olympics.—AP