June 29, 2002
How Brazil and Germany compare, going into tomorrow's World Cup final: Goalkeeper
Brazil: Marcos has been up to the task in the knockout phase of the tournament, allowing just a single goal to England after giving up one to Turkey and two to Costa Rica during the first round. But he is not always dependable. Germany: Oliver Kahn, regarded as the top goalkeeper in the world, has allowed just one goal in Germany's first six games. His sprawling saves helped in 1-0 wins against the United States and South Korea. Edge: Germany Defenders
Brazil: Brazil probably will have Cafu on the right and Roberto Carlos on the left, and Lucio, Roque Junior and Edmilson in the middle, with the center backs pushing up to help in midfield. This is regarded as the weakest part of the Brazilian team, but it has to held on in the knockout phase. Germany: While the only goal Germany allowed was to Ireland's Robbie Keane in second-half stoppage time, the defense has been shaky, allowing many chances that Kahn stopped or opponents could not finish. Germany can use either three backs, with Christoph Metzelder in the center, or go to a 4-4-2. Edge: Even Midfielders
Brazil: Gilberto Silva is the defensive destroyer, and Kleberson also plays a defensive role. Rivaldo (five goals) almost can be called a forward. When he drops back, Ronaldinho (two goals) pushes up. If Brazil falls behind, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho both move up. Germany: With Michael Ballack, whose goals beat the United States and South Korea, suspended for getting two yellow cards, Dietmar Hamann will probably move into Ballack's playmaking role. Jens Jeremies probably will take over for Hamann in defensive midfield. Bernd Schneider and Torsten Frings have played on the right wing, and Frings can be dropped back to defender. Much of Germany's midfield play is designed to play long balls down the flanks that can be crossed to the forwards in the penalty area. The Germans have stumbled when trying to create up the middle. Edge: Even Forwards
Brazil: Ronaldo has been Brazil's player of the tournament, scoring six goals and showing brilliant individual moves. Recurring leg injuries have slowed him at times, causing Brazil to take him out of games early. His zombielike play in the 1998 final contributed to Brazil's 3-0 loss to France, and his illness that day will remain one of soccer's mysteries, no matter how long he and team officials try to explain it. Germany: After scoring five goals in the first round, all on headers, Miroslav Klose has cooled off. Other than his 88th-minute goal that gave Germany a 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the second round, Oliver Neuville has missed his shots or misfired. Marco Bode has come in as a reserve, as has Oliver Bierhoff, whose overtime goal won the 1996 European Championship. Edge: Brazil
Prediction
Germany 1, Brazil 0. An ugly win is still a win. - Associated Press
