Upsets in UEFA as Norway and Italy lose on Sunday

France 2 Italy 0

By Thorsten Frennstedt

A poor Italian performence would have ended in 0-0 and even a ticket for the semifinals. However the French bid farewell in pride by winning 2-0.
By means of a solid midfield and only Marinette Pichon up front France dominated the match. Marinette scored the first goal after 36 minutes. She forced the Italians to take a PK in the 73rd. Françoise Jezéquel sent the ball past, the Italian keeper Georgia Brenzan. The French kept the ball well within their control team the rest of the match. Italian forward Patrizia Panico kicked an opponent while she lay on the ground so Patrizia was shown the red card. Out of 18 internationals against Italy this was only the thirdwin for France and certainly the most important one, even if both teams had to pack their bags and go home.

Denmark 1 Norway 0

By Thorsten Frennstedt

The Norwegian Olympic Gold Medalists were defeated 0-1 by Scandinavian neighbours Denmark in the last group B-game in the Euro finals in Aalen, Germany.

It is one of the most remarkable results of women´s recent soccer history. Denmark has not won against Norway since 1988. As neighbors they have played at least once a year. Denmark passed the ball well and efficiently. Norway sometimes seemed content with a draw. Solveig Gulbrandsen hit the post in the 71st minute and 18 year old Denish keeper Heidi Johansen saved the rebounce from Linda Örmen. Six minutes from the end Heidi kicked out the ball and the quick attack ended in succes with the header of Merete Pedersen. Christina Bonde of Denmark was awarded the MVP. Denmark with the win takes first place in Group B and faces Sweden in the semifinal on Wednesday.