? ?
Sports / Soccer
Germany to meet DPR Korea
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-09-21 16:59
WUHAN, China -- Germany's quarter-final meet with DPR Korea is likely to
produce one of the women's World Cup's most breathtaking game as both
teams have the world class quality and the desire for attacking.
Germany's soccer players celebrate their victory against Japan during
their Group A match of the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup in Hangzhou
September 17, 2007. Germany defeated Japan 2-0 to advance to
quarterfinals. [Reuters]
Germany are not unstoppable, in spite of their group stage luster. The
Germans were held to a 0-0 draw by European new force England following
their 11-0 demolition over Argentina, and then met strong resistance from
a technical Japan side, but managed to beat the Nadeshikos 2-0.
In the game with England, although the Germans took some advantage in
possession and had more shots, but they created few clear chances before
a well-organized and physical defence. Things are likely to repeat in the
DPR Korea clash.
The Koreans, lost to Sweden 2-1 but still qualified from the "Group of
Death", have proved their level in the first phase, especially in the 2-2
tie with the United States.
Their high-intensity style with a lot of long-range shots around the area
and tireless efforts of making crosses from both flanks, adding the
fierce tackles, pressured their opponents for most part of the game. The
Koreans are fair on one-one occasions with the Americans, and showed
excellent short passing skills in the midfield.
In the defeat to the Swedes, DPR Korea also created a lot of chances, but
their ace strikers seemed to be not in good form. Captain Ri Kum Suk was
not so sharp and resolved as she used to be, and only had one goal in
three games. But their NO 9 Ri Un Suk's form is amazing, leading the
Korean's forward line with fine performance.
"The quarter-finals will be tough, and we have to improve ourselves when
facing tougher teams," said Germany coach Silvia Neid.
Both sides are aiming at the tournament title, but the defending
champions Germany are undoubtedly much more experienced in the knockout
matches.
With top striker Birgit Prinz and veteran playmaker Renate Lingor, adding
young blood Kerstin Garefrekes and Melanie Behringer's fast side offence,
the Germans will possibly take some advantage in an even game.
"Offence is the best defence," Korean boss Kim Kwang Min told reporters
his philosophy after the loss to Sweden, and the confident man is likely
to continue his belief.
Germany and DPR Korea have not met before in the Women's World Cup.
Top Sports News ?
* Brazil break duck with Robinho hat-trick
* China coach tries to save job in Asian Cup
* NFL hopes its game doesn't get lost in translation in China
* Late starters face uphill task in China
* LA Galaxy to present Beckham on July 13
Today's Top News ?
* Torch relay won't pass through Chinese Taipei
* One more missing Russian tourist found
* 2 students shot at Delaware State
* Price hikes curbed ahead of holiday
* Mattel apologizes over toys recall
Most Commented/Read Stories in 48 Hours
Learn Chinese, Chinese Online Class, Learning Materials, Mandarin audio lessons, Chinese writing lessons, Chinese vocabulary lists, About chinese characters, News in Chinese, Go to China, Travel to China, Study in China, Teach in China, Dictionaries, Learn Chinese Painting, Your name in Chinese, Chinese calligraphy, Chinese songs, Chinese proverbs, Chinese poetry, Chinese tattoo, Beijing 2008 Olympics, Mandarin Phrasebook, Chinese editor, Pinyin editor, China Travel, Travel to Beijing, Travel to Tibet
No comments:
Post a Comment