Denmark sweep into Algarve final

Denmark through
In Wednesday's Group A openers, Denmark and Sweden beat Germany and Finland respectively, putting them in pole position to take the one place on offer in next week's final. Germany made six changes for this match, with coach Silivia Neid using this tournament to experiment, but within 17 minutes they led the UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2009™ hosts with a Birgit Prinz volley. Just before the half-hour she repeated the trick from a Kerstin Stegemann cross, and Prinz was then tripped in the box allowing Renate Lingor to seal the result from the penalty spot. However, Cathrine Paaske Sørensen's sixth-minute goal for Denmark in the later game gave them victory against Sweden and ensured their final berth regardless of Monday's result against Finland, as they aim to take the title for the first time.

Norway hope
The winners of Group B will face Denmark for the title on Wednesday, and Norway could take on their neighbours after following up their opening win against Italy with a 3-1 defeat of China. Norway must now beat defending champions the United States, who earned a 2-0 success against Italy. Also on Monday, hosts Portugal and Iceland will meet for first place in Group C after they both picked up second victories in a pool where the winners will have a chance to play-off with a team from one of the top sections for seventh place. Portugal defeated Poland 3-1 while Iceland saw off the Republic of Ireland 4-1.