Herlovsen is Norway hero
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Article summary
Norway 1-0 China Isabell Herlovsen's 32nd-minute strike ensured that a European side will play in the FIFA Women's World Cup final on 30 September.
Article body
One European side is sure to be playing in the FIFA Women's World Cup final after Norway beat hosts China 1-0 to set up a semi-final date with Germany.
Lone strike
The hosts dominated possession in Wuhan but it was Isabell Herlovsen's 32nd-minute strike which decided the fixture. Norway goalkeeper Bente Nordby had to be alert early on to fend off an effort from Chinese captain Bi Yan before Herlovsen, a surprise starter on the left of a three-pronged attack, rifled in a left-footed shot from a Leni Larsen Kaurin cross.
Final rematch
China regrouped after the interval but might have slipped another goal behind after Ingvild Stensland's fierce shot drew a splendid save from Zhang Yanru. With a crowd of 52,000 willing them on, China never gave up, but Norway held firm and will now meet Germany in Tianjin on Wednesday. The two sides met in the final of UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2005™ final, a game which Germany won 4-1, and drew 2-2 in a friendly last month.
