Fine win makes Germany proud

Germany are through to their first-ever Algarve Cup final after defeating Norway, on a day that also brought good wins for UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2005™ contenders Sweden, France and England but losses for Denmark, Finland and Norway as well as Northern Ireland and Portugal.

Mittag winner
Having beaten old rivals Sweden on the opening day, Germany ensured first place in Group A in with a 4-0 victory against another WOMEN'S EURO qualifier in Silves. Norway had defeated China in their opener on Wednesday, but fell today to a 15th-minute Anja Mittag goal, two Birgit Prinz strikes within a 60-second interval just before the hour and a Conny Pohlers effort 25 minutes from time, as Renate Lingor won her 100th cap. Germany coach Tina Theune-Meyer said: "Norway really gave us a run for our money early on but we were rock solid at the back today."

Sweden win
Later at the same venue, Sweden joined four-time winners Norway on three points as they saw off China 2-0. Frida Östberg, Sweden's key player along with midfielder Helena Seger, opened the scoring on 36 minutes and four minutes later Sara Johansson claimed the second. Coach Marika Domanski-Lyfors said: "We've played two very, very good matches, and I am very pleased with how we've played."

Scandinavian meeting
Two-time winners Sweden need only a draw against 2004 beaten finalists Norway on Sunday - a game in which Hanna Ljungberg could return having suffered a thigh injury on Wednesday - to clinch second position and a chance to play-off for third place, while Germany, guaranteed a final berth on head-to-head record, meet China.

Diacre strikes
In Group B, France bounced back from losing to the United States by overcoming Denmark 2-1. Marinette Pichon's 16th-minute opener was swiftly cancelled out by a Danish equaliser, but in added time Corinne Diacre struck to give France the points in Guia.

Finland falter
Early in the day, Finland, who lost to Denmark on Wednesday, were defeated 3-0 by the US. Christie Welsh scored twice in the first half and Abby Wambach headed the third. On Sunday, Denmark play the US needing a win to have a chance of pipping the holders to the final, while France also need to defeat Finland to stay in the hunt. The winners of Group B meet Germany in Tuesday's final, with the respective group runners-up and third-placed teams also playing-off the same day.

England cruise
England, in Group C, cannot play in the final but are on fine form as they followed up their 4-0 win against Northern Ireland by beating hosts Portugal by the same score. Casey Stoney made it 1-0 ten minutes in and Rachel Yankey struck on the half-hour. Amanda Barr, who made the first two goals, scored the third late in the second half and Yankey increased the lead in added time.

Northern Ireland lose
At the same venue, Northern Ireland lost 2-0 to Mexico. England need only a draw against Mexico on Sunday to win the group and earn the chance to play for seventh place.

Match schedule 

All kick-off times local (CET -1).
*Play-off for those positions
**Fourth-placed team from Groups A or B with best record play in 7/8 match, other in 9/10 match.
***Estádio Algarve