June 28, 2001

Italy halts Norway's run and Denmark beats France

Denmark 4 France 3

By Thorsten Frennstedt

Denmark and France played the most spectacular match yet in the Eurofinals. In the first double header at Reutlingen, Germany in front of 6,000 Denmark won 4-3 (2-2).

France can't reach the semifinals however Denmark can - by beating Norway in the last match of group A.

Denmark took an easy lead by a PK from Gitte Kroogh in tne 14th minute, Christina Bonde sent a free kick from more than 30 meters straight under the French cross bar for the second goal 4 minutes later. Then France´s best forward Marinette Pichon scored in the 21st. and Stephanie Mugnerét equalized 7 minutes later. Neither the French nor the Danish defenses seemed safe. In the second half Denmark was awarded a PK. Christina Bonde took the kick and French keeper Corinne Lagache made a nice save. The match seemed to be turning towards the French when Julia Hauge Andersson made it 3-2 for Denmark. Again it was a weak performance by the French defence. Danish keeper could blame herself for sending the ball into play when her team was ahead only 7 minutes from the end. She was intimidated by a French player and the ball reached just a few meters outside the box. Gaelle Blouin got the ball and scored 3-3. On a rebouncing ball after a free kick Gitte Krogh scored 4-3 in the last minute of regular time.

Norway 1 Italy 1

By Thorsten Frennstedt

Italy became the team to stop the row of wins for Norway. The match between the two top teams of Group A in the Euro finals ended in a draw 1-1 (1-1)in Reutlingen.
Rita Guarino aissisted by Patrizia Panico scored 1-0 for Italy in the 12th minute. Dagny Mellgren equalized in the 16th with a volley that left the Italian keeper Georgia Brenzan with no chance of saving. Italy then played very tactically with a secure defence. Norwegian long balls were cleared efficiently as Head Coach Carolina Morace made her team play "long", meaning that the Norwegians did not get back the defenders to catch the ball. Norway was unable to play through the midfield.

This was certainly not the celebratory 150 th. international match jubilee Hege Riise had wanted. Dagny Mellgren was the the best Norwegian player, and keeper Georgia Brenzan the best Italian.

During the second half both Italy and Norway played safety first soccer, knowing that giving away a silly goal would Jeorpardize their way to the semifinals.

In the next games Norway plays Denmark and Italy France on Saturday.