Norway get edge on Germany
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Article summary
Norway gained belated revenge for their UEFA EURO 2005™ final defeat by Germany as they overcame the world champions 2-1 on the opening day of the Algarve Cup.
Article body
Norway gained belated revenge for their UEFA EURO 2005™ final defeat by Germany as they overcame the world and European champions 2-1 on the opening day of the Algarve Cup.
Wink winner
Meeting in Group A, Norway put holders Germany under pressure from the beginning and took the lead on 15 minutes through a strong Ingvild Stensland shot. Renate Lingor equalised from a free-kick three minutes later but Norway were not deterred and Melissa Wink struck the winner 21 minutes from time to inflict Germany's first defeat for more than a year. Denmark are Norway's next opponents on Friday and they began with a 4-0 win against France. Cathrine Paaske Sørensen put Denmark ahead on the half-hour and Maiken Pape, Johanna Rasmussen and Merete Pedersen completed the victory in the second period.
Sweden success
In Group B, Sweden -who like Germany, Norway and Denmark will compete in the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup - overcame UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2009™ hosts Finland 3-0. Therese Sjögran and Victoria Svensson struck before the break and substitute Frida Nordin clinched the victory in added time. Sweden's next opponents China lost 2-1 to the United States, who now take on Finland.
Italy lead Group C
The winners of those pools will meet in next Wednesday's final, while in Group C four other teams are competing in the hope of ending in the top eight. Italy lead after Matchday 1 as they overcame Iceland 2-1. Hosts Portugal drew 1-1 with the Republic of Ireland and now face Iceland.
