After a brilliant tournament, Brazil's women couldn't quite finish it off in style, as they lost 2-0 to the holders Germany in Sunday's final.Brazil once again played the game in the right way, with their fast, creative play proving a problem for the German defense from the off, with Daniela striking a perfectly hit volley which cannoned back off the post to safety.
The scores were level as the teams went in for half time, but it didn't take long after the break for the deadlock to be broken, as Birgit Prinz gave Germany the lead after fifty-two minutes. Brazil had a chance to hit back when Cristiane was tripped in the area. However, tournament star Marta's timid penalty was saved by the German keeper.
Daniela once again threatened with a 30 yard free kick that was beaten onto the post by the German keeper, but Brazilian hearts were broken four minutes from time when Simone Laudehr headed home to seal the win for the Germans.
Brazil's women will look back on the tournament with some pleasure as they performed above expectations, and were so close to winning their first World Cup. Impressive forward Cristiane summed their feelings up after the defeat:
"Today we didn't play very well, we couldn't take our chances and Germany did, so that was the difference. It was a sad day but this team has done a very good job, we have 21 very talented players and I think we have given a very good example to the girls in Brazil."
Maybe next time they can go all the way.
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