Dispatch from Grenoble: Germany unbeaten, unbreached, and getting better

Germany’s women last won the World Cup 12 years ago.Although they are always bracketed as one of the pre-tournament favorites, their inclusion of late has been more out of habit than conviction. During this qualifying campaign they stumbled by losingat home to Iceland. And yet, after comfortably beating Nigeria 3-0 today, they have gone four games in this tournament with four victories, scoring nine goals, and conceding none. More alarming stillfor the rest of the field, as a team they look more cohesive and more confident with each 90 minutes.