Germany and Iceland off to winning starts

Germany and Iceland celebrated victories against fellow UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2009™ finalists Finland and Norway as the Algarve Cup opened today with Sweden held by China and Denmark beaten by the United States. uefa.com rounds up today's action, with fixtures continuing on Friday and Monday, and the two group winners to play in next Wednesday's final.

Group A
Germany 2-0 Finland
Kerstin Garefrekes marked her 100th appearance for Germany with an injury-time goal as the reigning European champions defeated the UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2009™ hosts. In a close first half Martina Müller went closest but was denied by Finland goalkeeper Minna Meriluoto, before Germany took control after the break. Melanie Behringer broke the deadlock in the 69th minute with a low shot from the right of the area and the midfielder's late cross was turned in by Garefrekes for the second. Germany coach Silvia Neid said: "I am pleased with how the defence played for the entire match, and I was pleased with the attack in the second half." Finland's Michael Käld added: "In the first half we controlled the ball well and defended solidly. In the second half Germany came on strongly and we were a step behind. Germany were more physical and won the loose balls. However, I am pleased with our first half performance and now we are looking ahead to Friday's game against Sweden."

Sweden 0-0 China
China, fresh from holding Germany 1-1 in a friendly last week, prepared for Friday's rematch with the world and European champions by securing another draw against leading opposition. Sweden were on top for long periods but were unable to force a breakthrough. Lotta Schelin, who scored four goals for Sweden in their 5-1 defeat of Norway in January, missed the game due to wisdom teeth pain.

Group B
Norway 1-3 Iceland
Iceland defeated Norway for the first time thanks to two goals from Sara Björk Gunnarsdóttir in a rehearsal for their UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2009™ Group B meeting in August. The teenager broke the deadlock in the 18th minute, only for Kristin Lie to equalise with her first Norway goal. Gunnarsdóttir struck again five minutes into the second half and Trine Rønning then put through an own goal.

United States 2-0 Denmark
The US have beaten Denmark in the last two Algarve Cup finals and came out on top again to continue their bid to reach a seventh straight decider in this tournament. Angie Woznuk and Tina DiMartino claimed the goals in wet conditions, while at the other end Johanna Rasmussen was twice denied by Hope Solo in the US goal. Denmark play Norway on Friday, when the US take on Iceland.