By Gary Rose Special to PA SportsTicker

SHANGHAI, China (Ticker) — Goalkeeper Nadine Angerer admitted having researched Marta’s penalty-taking technique before making the crucial save to help Germany win its second straight Women’s World Cup title on Sunday.

With Germany holding a slender one-goal advantage courtesy of Birgit Prinz, Brazil was awarded a penalty just after the hour mark when Cristiane was brought down in the box.

Marta stepped up to take the spot kick, but Angerer guessed correctly to push the ball away to safety. The stop proved pivotal as Germany added an insurance goal later by Simone Laudehr to seal the victory.

Angerer confessed she had studied Marta’s penalty taking during Brazil’s quarterfinal matchup against Australia.

“I watched Brazil’s game against Australia and although that time Marta went for the right corner with her penalty, I had a feeling that this time she would go for the left,” Angerer said. “So I decided to wait as long as possible - and it was the right decision.”

Brazil coach Jorge Barcellos hopes the interest generated from the Women’s World Cup will help develop soccer in the country. Prior to the final, the Brazilian Football Confederation had confirmed intentions to create a professional soccer league.

“I really hope that this World Cup can help develop women’s (soccer) in Brazil and we can have more good players,” said Barcellos. “Brazilian women’s (soccer) is about strength and technique and I hope it is something we can develop further.”

Barcellos also reserved praise for Angerer.

“She was facing Marta and this is a big challenge but she did well,” he said. “Being a goalkeeper is a very difficult position as you always have to be aware what is going on on the field.”