Holders close to second crown

Germany have already rewritten the FIFA Women's World Cup record books more than once in China – and having beaten Norway 3-0 in Wednesday's semi-final are one game away from becoming the first team to successfully defend the trophy.

One target
After beginning with a tournament-best 11-0 victory against Argentina, and topping Group A by drawing 0-0 with England and defeating Japan 2-0, the win against Norway allowed Germany to move past China's mark of 442 minutes without conceding a Women's World Cup goal, with the tally now up to 506. However, there is only one roll of honour Germany are really interested in entering – that is as winners against Brazil in Shanghai on Sunday in their record third final. "We want the cup now, no matter what," said defender Ariane Hingst. "If we manage that without conceding a goal again, that's fine, but if we win 4-3, it's good as well. The only thing that matters is winning the cup."

Neid pride
Still, the defensive record is particularly pleasing for coach Silvia Neid, in her first major tournament at the helm of the reigning European champions. "I am so proud," said Neid, who this week extended her contract by two years until 2011. "But the thing that made me happy the most [against Norway] is that we didn't concede a goal again. That has never been done before during a World Cup."

Angerer delight
That mark is even more impressive as it is the first tournament in which Nadine Angerer has kept goal, having for so long been understudy to Silke Rottenberg before the veteran No1 suffered a succession of injuries in the last year. She said: "I absolutely wanted to play at the finals and it's even better that things have gone so well. Honestly, though, I haven't given the record that much thought. We are working very well in defence, that makes my work that much easier."