SHANGHAI, China - The unstoppable scorer from Brazil and the unbeatable goalkeeper from Germany stared at each other from 12 yards away — the outcome of the Women’s World Cup perhaps resting on this penalty kick.

The confrontation was won by goalie Nadine Angerer. And the World Cup was again won by Germany, a 2-0 victory in the final Sunday that was underlined by a flawless, unyielding defense.

“After the penalty save, I felt it was meant to be,” Germany coach Silvia Neid said.

In the third-place game Sunday, the United States defeated Norway 4-1 behind two goals by Abby Wambach.

Angerer was backed by goals from Birgit Prinz in the 52nd minute and Simone Laudehr in the 86th, and Germany became the first women’s soccer team to successfully defend a World Cup or Olympic title.

“We worked hard for each other,” Neid said. “It was a great team performance. It was important to work against Marta.”

It was Marta, the Brazilian scoring sensation, whom Angerer faced in the 62nd minute. Brazil trailed 1-0, the prospect still alive for the nation’s first Women’s World Cup title.

Marta was the tournament’s top scorer with seven goals in five games. Angerer had not conceded a single goal all tournament.

The goalkeeper then put some soccer psychology to work. She dived to her right, using her legs to block the low shot. She bounced to her feet and cried out in triumph as her exultant teammates rushed her.

As she stood between the posts awaiting Marta’s kick, Angerer recalled Brazil’s quarterfinal win over Australia. In that game, Marta also took a penalty kick.

“She went to the bottom left corner, so this time I thought she would go to the right,” Angerer said. “I waited as long as I could to act, and it was the right decision.”

Germany went through six games in the tournament without giving up a goal and outscored the opposition 21-0, setting other records in the process.

The Germans thwarted the flowing attacks of Brazil, which routed the U.S. in the semifinal. With this latest defensive display, Germany has not given up a goal in 619 minutes of World Cup competition, the last one four years ago in the final against Sweden. China held the previous record of 442 minutes.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel congratulated the team on the “wonderful” game, and said the country would work even harder in an effort to host the 2011 tournament. The goals “showed how beautiful women’s soccer can be,” Merkel said.

Brazil managed to control the ball much of the game. But standing in the way were Angerer and central defenders Ariane Hingst and Annike Krahn.

“We had a lot of chances. Germany had fewer chances, but when they got them they scored,” Brazil coach Jorge Barcellos said. “Even though we lost, this result of making the final will bring more investors and will bring a lot of benefits to women’s football in Brazil.”

Germany’s best chance of the first half came in the fifth minute when Kerstin Garefrekes’ angled shot hit the side of the net. Brazil came close soon after when Formiga shot wide of the right post after a goalmouth scramble.

The game settled into a pattern with Brazil ruling midfield courtesy of Formiga and Ester. Play came alive in the 24th minute when Daniela’s rasping shot thumped into the left post. When the rebound crossed into the penalty area, she headed the ball over the bar.

“It was a sad day but this team has done a very good job,” Cristiane said. “We have 21 very talented players and we have given a very good example to the girls in Brazil.”

Germany assumed a more attacking formation for the second half, and the strategy paid off in the 52nd minute. Sandra Smisek centered to an unmarked Prinz. She did not hit her shot cleanly, but Brazil goalkeeper Andreia failed to get down quickly enough. The shot passed under her into the net.

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Five minutes after the penalty save, Angerer rescued her team again, diving to save a free kick by substitute Rosana. Laudehr sealed the victory when she headed home Renate Lingor’s corner kick in the closing minutes.

“Brazil had more of the game, but we worked hard as a team, especially in defense,” Neid said. “In the second half, we scored at the right time, and after that our players realized they could hold this game.”

In the presentation ceremony, two Brazilian players held a banner saying “Brazil: we need support.” Marta said the country’s soccer authorities must provide a women’s club competition, with financial support for players.

“We are going to lose the game again if we don’t fight to increase the level of administration in Brazilian football,” Marta said. “We can’t leave again with promises, like what happened after the Olympics in 2004.”