And then there were four

Time really does fly. After two weeks of play and 28 games, only four teams remain at the FIFA Women's World Cup in China. Just five days from now, the captain of either Germany, Norway, Brazil or the United States will raise the World Cup trophy in jubilation with her teammates.

But which side will earn that honour? Here are this writer's observations:

Norway could win the World Cup because it never lets a game get away. The Scandinavians, champions in 1995, are perhaps the most disciplined and organized team in the tournament. Though they've allowed four goals so far in China (more goals than any of the final four), Norway is tight defensively with centre-backs Trine Ronning and Ane Stangeland Horepstad and one of the best goalkeepers in the game, Bente Nordby.

Norway won't win the World Cup though. While the Scandinavians can stay in games, they can't seem to take control from start to finish. Goal scoring has been an issue for the Norwegians. Ragnhild Gulbrandsen has five goals in this tournament, but she is the team's only pure scorer and many of her team's markers have come on dead-ball situations.

Brazil could win the World Cup because it is the most skilled team in the competition. Not only do the South Americans have the best player in the world today in Marta, but they also have a cast of other talented footballers - Cristiane, Daniela and Formiga. Scoring goals is like tying shoelaces for these women. Ooohs and aaahs ring out in China's stadiums as fans admire the Brazilians schooling opponents with their dazzling dribbling, creative runs and precision passing. The South Americans aren't afraid to take risks and are often rewarded for their vision on the field.

However, Brazil won't win the World Cup for this very same reason. There are times for risk, and times for patience. The South Americans had the easiest group in the tournament and were never challenged. They could get away with mistakes and not get punished. Brazil's game is beautiful - there is no argument there. But at the same time, the Brazilians' craving for a dynamic move or magic pass will be their downfall. Another mistake - like that errant back pass against Australia in the quarter-finals - could mean farewell for the Selecaos in this tournament.

The United States could win the World Cup on account of its depth, confidence and aptitude at set pieces. The top-ranked Americans are unbeaten in 51 games since Greg Ryan took over the squad in March 2005. There is so much talent in the U.S. system that Ryan has tough lineup decisions to make each game. Up front, Abby Wambach, the most physically dominant player in the world, combines with veteran Kristine Lilly to make a formidable striking duo.

But the Americans won't win the World Cup because they are vulnerable to making mistakes. Under pressure, the Americans can get rattled, unfocused and lose their shape. For example, when Wambach was off getting stitches against North Korea, the U.S. nearly folded, giving up two goals in a 10-minute span (the Americans came back to tie the game 2-2 when Wambach returned). In a big game, those let downs can't happen. Though this team is immensely talented, there is also 12 World Cup rookies on the roster. Experience matters.

Germany could win the World Cup because it has the experience and talent. Half of the 2003 championship team has returned and head coach Silvia Neid has injected a handful of exciting youth players to her roster. The chemistry between star striker Birgit Prinz and her Frankfurt club teammates Renate Lingor, Sandra Smisek and Kerstin Garefrekes is unmatchable. The Germans are unflappable defensively, having not conceded a goal so far in the tournament.

Germany will win the World Cup because it has the right recipe for success. Depth, talent, experience, and defence. A second straight world title is just two wins away.