Germany see off Sweden again
Wednesday, March 9, 2005
Article summary
Matchday 1 round-up: The opening day brought victories for Germany, Norway, Denmark and England.
Article body
Germany continued to have the upper hand over Sweden at the opening day of the 12th annual Algarve Cup today, defeating their great European rivals 2-1.
Prinz winner
FIFA Women's World Player of the Year Birgit Prinz scored the decisive goal in the 75th minute at the Estádio Municipal in Lagos after Sweden's Sara Johansson (67) had cancelled out Sandra Smisek's fifth-minute opener. “We created lots of chances but it was an exciting game because we couldn’t make it 2-0,” said Germany coach Tina Theune-Meyer, whose side have prevented Sweden from winning world, European and Olympic honours in recent years.
Wiik winner
The Germans are joined at the top of Group A by Norway after the Scandinavian side defeated China 2-1. Following a goalless first half at the Estádio Municipal, Bjarne Berntsen's side took the lead in the 57th minute through Trine Rønning. Tan Duan pulled the Chinese level eleven minutes later before Lindy Melissa Wiik, a former Under-19 striker, scored to secure maximum points ahead of Friday's game against the Germans. Sweden play China the same day.
Danish victory
Group B also contains three teams which will be in competition at UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2005™ this summer. Two of them met at the Estádio da Nora in Ferreiras today, with Denmark winning a dress rehearsal against Finland 4-1. "We scored some fine goals and definitely cannot complain at the start we've had," said Danish coach Poul Højmose. The Nordic duo will also meet in the group stage in England this summer. France, meanwhile, succumbed 1-0 to the United States with Christie Welsh scoring with a half-volley in the 20th minute. The US meet Finland next, while Denmark play France.
Portugal next
WOMEN'S EURO hosts England also got off to a winning start in the weaker Group C, recording a comprehensive 4-0 success against Northern Ireland. Karen Carney, 17, got Hope Powell's side on their way just after the half-hour and Vicky Exley scored twice in the second half in between Rachel McArthur's first-ever goal for her country in the 56th minute. England are also in action on Friday, tackling the hosts Portugal who lost their opener 2-1 to Mexico.
