Terry Maddaford: And then there were two

nzherald.co.nz exclusive

It is no surprise that Brazil and Germany are through to Sunday's World Cup final. After all, they have been there before -- six times each. The surprise is that it will be the first time these two giants of world football have clashed at the World Cup.

Brazil have been to the finals every year since 1930. Germany, initially as West Germany, have missed only twice -- in 1930 and 20 years later. Only once since 1950 has either Brazil or a German team not been in the final. In 1978 in Argentina the hosts played Holland in the final.

Under coach Luiz Felipe Scolari -- and he was under incredible pre-Cup pressure following his team's struggle at times to even make it as one of five South American nations at the finals -- Brazil have been all-conquering and the only team to win all of their six matches and without having to go to extra time.

Germany's only hiccup was the 1-1 draw with the plucky Irish in group play.

While Brazil will go into the final as odds-on favourites -- their cause helped by the absence of suspended Michael Ballack -- the Turks showed in this morning's semifinal there is hope for the Germans.

Turkey, beaten twice by Brazil at World Cup 2002 but just by the one goal, showed that a well-organised side (with the assistance of an in-form goalkeeper) can hold the Brazilians for all but that one moment of Ronaldo magic which can beat any team.

Under an injury cloud, Ronaldo will no doubt be the target of the strong German defence. But even if he can shake off his would-be markers, he must beat goalkeeper of the tournament Oliver Kahn. Only one shot has beaten Kahn in 540 minutes of football -- that goal scored by Ireland back on June 5.

Goals have not exactly been scored with any real abandon. Brazil scored five in beating Costa Rica 5-2 and four in beating China 4-0. Germany had an 8-0 opener against Saudi Arabia but only six in five games since.

In 14 post-group games only 22 goals (at an average of 1.57 per game) have been scored compared with the tournament average of 2.48.

But, as both Brazil and Germany showed in taking 1-0 semifinal victories, one goal is enough if defence plays its part. Brazil, a team hardly renowned for that aspect of their play, has shown as the tournament has gone along, that their defence is as good as any at the Cup. Germany too have defended well but without the same confidence in their attack.

South Korea, with the advantage of a home game in Daegu, go into Saturday's third-fourth play-off carrying the expectations of a nation who have been rewarded by some exceptional performances already.

Without star Hasan Sas (cruelly suspended minutes from the end of their semifinal loss) Turkey will struggle. But in getting this far they have already achieved the unthinkable.

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