2007年VOA标准英语-Germany, Brazil Play to for Women's World Cup T

By Jim Stevenson
Beijing
29 September 2007

Germany and Brazil are about to face each other Sunday in the Women's World Cup football final in China.  VOA's Jim Stevenson reports from Shanghai, where the championship game will feature two contrasting styles of play.

German coach Silvia Neid says her team will be facing a technically¹ talented Brazilian team.

"Brazil is especially [talented] with the ball, handling the ball," she said.

The Brazilians outplayed the United States in the semifinals, defeating the heavily favored American women, 4-0.  Although the South Americans appeared scattered² at times, individual performances in that contest were among the best ever seen in a Women's World Cup match.

Cristiane scored against the United States to push her tournament total to five goals.  Only Brazilian teammate Marta has more.  Her two strikes in the semifinal gave her a tournament leading seven goals.

All-time leading Women's World Cup scorer Birgit Prinz of Germany is among five players who have four tournament goals.  Germany has yet to allow a score at this year's World Cup, and Prinz says a group effort will be needed to stop Marta.

"We try to work as a team," she said.  "We are not playing man against man.  It is always a team effort.  And that is what we are trying to do against Marta."

Germany is the defending champion and a win will make that nation the first to claim consecutive³ Women's World Cup titles.  Brazil is aiming for its first championship in its first trip to the finals.

1 technically   

adv.专门地，技术上地

参考例句：

• Technically it is the most advanced equipment ever.从技术上说，这是最先进的设备。
• The tomato is technically a fruit,although it is eaten as a vegetable.严格地说，西红柿是一种水果，尽管它是当作蔬菜吃的。

2 scattered   

adj.分散的，稀疏的；散步的；疏疏落落的

参考例句：

• Gathering up his scattered papers,he pushed them into his case.他把散乱的文件收拾起来，塞进文件夹里。

3 consecutive   

adj.连续的，联贯的，始终一贯的

参考例句：

• It has rained for four consecutive days.已连续下了四天雨。
• The policy of our Party is consecutive.我党的政策始终如一。