The waiting's over: Brazil at last meets Germany

YOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) -- It took half a century to happen, but this World Cup final could be worth the wait.

Brazil and Germany meet Sunday for the first time ever in soccer's biggest event, a fitting stage for a clash spiced by 50 years of anticipation.

There's something for everyone in this classic matchup of contrasting styles and strengths: The No. 1 offense vs. the No. 1 defense, Ronaldo vs. Oliver Kahn, artistry vs. discipline, Latin heat vs. European cool.

"Germany is a traditional team, cold, calculating, a three-time champion," Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said. "We respect them deeply.

"It will be a great game, a historic game," he said.