Germany 4 - 2 France
Final
  for this game

Germany, France battle for top spot in Group A

Jul 5, 2011 - 1:39 AM Monchengladbach, Germany (Sports Network) - Germany is through to the knockout part of the Women's World Cup after just two games, but the two-time defending champion and host still has work to do to win Group A.

Germany has won its two matches, although not convincingly, and needs a win on Tuesday against impressive France to finish atop the standings.

France has won its first two games by combined scores of 5-0, and it leads the group on goal differential because Germany has two one-goal wins, 2-1 against Canada and 1-0 over Nigeria.

German boss Silvia Neid was upset after the lackluster performance against the Nigerians, and she said, "It wasn't a particularly sparkling display."

Neid was disappointed with the team's forward play, taking legend Birgit Prinz - the all-time leader in World Cup goals with 14 - off early after halftime, and also criticized the club's passing and movement.

"It was more of a scrap than a good game of football," Neid said.

Simone Laudehr provided the lone goal in the 54th minute against Nigeria, and Neid did admit, "We're still the favorites in this tournament and that's the way we want it to stay."

Despite the problems, and the doubts about the role captain Prinz will play in the group finale, the title won't be decided at Borussia-Park against France.

But a win over France, which beat Nigeria 1-0 and Canada 4-0, would provide a spark for the Germans entering knockout play, and extend their unbeaten streak to 15 games spanning the last three World Cups.

France has not allowed a shot on goal yet in the tournament and Canada manager Caroline Morace said after the loss Thursday, "They played the perfect game."

With their first-ever berth in the knockout stage secured in just their second appearance in the World Cup finals, the pressure is off France against Germany - especially since a draw would be enough to win the group.

After France's win over Canada, which didn't clinch advancement for the French until Germany beat Nigeria, France boss Bruno Bini said, "Tonight I can tell you how important this victory was."

Turns out it was the biggest in the team's history to date, but the chance to trump that victory awaits against Germany - and then again in knockout play.






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