Defending champions Germany have made it to the semi-finals of today as they ease passed North Korea. Garefrekes put Germany ahead in the 44th minute by smartly surpassing three Korean defenders, kicking a left-foot shot past keeper Jon Myong-hui. The next goal came in from a close range by Krahn while Sandra Smisek’s pass in the 67 minute enabled Lingor striking the final goal. The entire game saw Korean’s tentative and missing several chances in the second-half. Making to the last four, the title holders will either face Norway or hosts China.
The current tournament running until September 30th has indeed been a spectacular run for Germany, who earlier opened with a dramatic style routing Argentina with 11-0 walkover. This was the biggest win and highest scoring match in Women’s World Cup history. The competition features 16 nations participating with China having automatic qualification. The prize structure is $1 million for 1st place, $800,000 for 2nd, $650,000 for 3rd, and $550,000 for 4th. Quarter-finalists will earn $300,000 and first-rounders will exit with $200,000.
The 2007 Championship is also seen as a prelude to 2008 Games as UEFA is using it as a qualifying tournament for the soccer games at the Olympics, with the three best-performing UEFA teams getting a place there.
Via: BBC
