Norway pay the penalty
Sunday, January 26, 2003
Article summary
Norway and Germany drew 2-2 to allow hosts China to take the initiative by defeating the United States.
Article body
Mellgren opener
After losing 3-1 to the US and drawing 0-0 with China respectively, Norway and Germany both needed a victory at the Wuhan Sports Center Stadium to keep the pressure on their non-European opponents. It was Åge Steen's side who made the early running, taking the game to the Germans from the start and opening the scoring in the 27th minute through a Dagny Mellgren header.
Late equaliser
The lead lasted just eight minutes as a second headed goal, this time by Germany captain Bettina Wiegmann, restored parity. Midfield player Anita Rapp made it 2-1 to Norway by lobbing the German goalkeeper after latching on to a precise through-ball, but Linda Bresonik had the final say three minutes from time by slotting in a penalty after Kerstin Garefrekes was felled.
Top of the table
In the later match, China took on the US in front of 40,000 spectators at the same venue, a stadium which has only been open for five months and which will host eight FIFA Women's World Cup matches later this year. Goals from Sun Wen and Fan Yunjie, both of whom ply their trade professionally in America, settled the game to take China to the top of the table.
Bragging rights
China will win the event by beating Norway in Shanghai on 29 January, while Germany would claim bragging rights ahead of the World Cup and the title by defeating the US combined with a win for Norwegians.
