Prinz to rule supreme against North Korea

Women's Football / / 21 September 2007 / Leave a Comment

Perfecseun previews Germany's quarter-final tie against North Korea at the Women's World Cup

The only time Korea DPR met Germany, they won that encounter 2-0. But that was at the under 20 World Cup in Russia last year. This time round, the Senior sides are meeting for higher stakes, a place in the semifinals of the World Cup.

After the brilliant start in the group phase, Korea´s level of play has dropped somewhat. They came in to the tournament full of energy and gave the United States a hard game. Since that match, they struggled to a 2-0 victory over Nigeria and were happy to sit back against Sweden in a match they lost 2-1. Playing the quarter finals for the first time should raise the team´s motivation and with enough rest, the Koreans should have the energy to run around the field, just as they like to.

Germany, the favourites and current champions, had their 11 match run of scoring at least a goal in FIFA world cup matches, ended by England. There is no cause for alarm though as they did the hard work in the first match and comfortably secured 3 points. The Germans had a controlled plan and for them, beating England was not a must as the draw between Japan and England gave them a breathing space with Argentina becoming a non factor.

It is difficult to see where the Koreans will hurt this German side. No less than 5 of the Korean side that defeated Germany in Russia 2006 at the Under 20 level are in this Senior side and for a country making its first appearance in the last 8, it is a tough ask for the young players. Germany have scored in all 5 matches they ever played against Asian opponents, scoring 10 goals and conceding none.

Age is not on the side of the Europeans but they havee conserved themselves well since routing Argentina and did enough to get through as group winners. They have the most experienced team in this tournament and the newcomers Korea will find it hard to dictate the game with pace against the best team in the world.

Suggested Bet: Back Germany to win -1.5 goals Asian Handicap, Back over 2.5 goals.