Norway and Germany advance
Sunday, June 12, 2005
Article summary
Norway defeated Italy on Sunday to set up a date with Sweden in the last four, while Germany meet Finland.
Article body
By Kevin Ashby in Preston
The semi-final lineup at the UEFA European Women's Championship was completed today as Norway joined Germany in progressing from Group B.
Challenge over
Norway needed to win against Italy in Preston and hope Germany did likewise in Warrington to follow the already-qualified holders into the last four. Norway kept up their half of the bargain, prevailing 5-3 thanks to two Lise Klaveness goals and strikes from Marit Fiane Christensen, Solveig Gulbrandsen and Dagny Mellgren. They were then relieved to see the Germans score three late goals to end France's challenge.
Scandinavian showdown
Norway will play Group A winners Sweden in Warrington on Thursday, 24 hours after favourites Germany tackle Finland at Deepdale in Preston. The Finns secured second place behind Sweden in their pool with a 2-1 victory against Denmark on Saturday, while the Swedes eliminated England with a 1-0 success in Blackburn. Both semi-finals kick off at 18.30 local time (19.30CET).
