Germany undefeated

TIANJIN – As the first team ever to reach a women’s World Cup semi-final without conceding a goal, it is hard to see where Germany can improve.

But approaching tomorrow’s semi-final against Norway, Germany defender Arianne Hingst said the team can get better yet. “It’s a really good feeling for us to not concede a goal, and that’s for the whole team, not just the backline,” Hingst said yesterday.”Still, the opponents have still created some chances to score, you saw that against North Korea (in the quarterfinals), so we are not fully satisfied yet.”Germany will have the benefit of a couple of days’ extra rest.The semifinal will be its third match in 10 days, but for Norway it will be its third in eight.The number-one-ranked United States faces Brazil on Thursday in Hangzhou in the other semi-final with the final on Sunday in Shanghai “That’s really a big disadvantage and we have to work really hard with the players to get ready for the game on Wednesday,” Norway coach Bjarne Berntsen said.Hingst, who has played in all four matches this tournament and has 134 international caps, said Germany was lucky to draw 2-2 with Norway when the two teams met in a friendly in Mainz just before departing for this World Cup.The two teams are regular opponents, having played 28 matches, and know each other’s game plans intimately, so Hingst is aware of the threat posed by Norway’s direct play.Nampa-AFP”It’s a really good feeling for us to not concede a goal, and that’s for the whole team, not just the backline,” Hingst said yesterday.”Still, the opponents have still created some chances to score, you saw that against North Korea (in the quarterfinals), so we are not fully satisfied yet.”Germany will have the benefit of a couple of days’ extra rest.The semifinal will be its third match in 10 days, but for Norway it will be its third in eight.The number-one-ranked United States faces Brazil on Thursday in Hangzhou in the other semi-final with the final on Sunday in Shanghai “That’s really a big disadvantage and we have to work really hard with the players to get ready for the game on Wednesday,” Norway coach Bjarne Berntsen said.Hingst, who has played in all four matches this tournament and has 134 international caps, said Germany was lucky to draw 2-2 with Norway when the two teams met in a friendly in Mainz just before departing for this World Cup.The two teams are regular opponents, having played 28 matches, and know each other’s game plans intimately, so Hingst is aware of the threat posed by Norway’s direct play.Nampa-AFP