Norway beat Denmark on penalties to reach final of Women's Euro 2013

Posted Friday, July 26, 2013 by theguardian.com

• Denmark will face Germany in the final
• Shootout needed after 1-1 draw

Norway will face the holders, Germany, in the final of Women's Euro 2013 after beating Denmark 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in their semi-final on Thursday.

Norway stunned Denmark by scoring from the first corner of the game in Norrkoping, Ingvild Stensland's ball into the box brushing off Marit Christensen and ending up in the back of the net after three minutes.

But Denmark, who made the knockout round at the expense of Russia on a drawing of lots after the two countries finished the group stage level on two points, gradually gained the upper hand in a tight game.

Despite Denmark's burgeoning dominance, Norway countered quickly when given the chance and Ada Hegerberg shaved the top of the crossbar after half an hour.

Denmark enjoyed long periods of possession in the second half but, with Norway's defence funnelling most of their attacks infield, they had difficulty turning that into chances.

Norway beat Denmark on penalties to reach final of Women's Euro 2013

Norway looked to be heading for the final until Denmark snatched an equaliser in the 87th minute, Mariann Knudsen heading in Pernille Harder's flick-on from a free kick.

That goal was enough to send the game to extra-time but Denmark, despite dominating throughout, failed to fashion a winner, which cost them dearly as the game went to penalties.

The goalkeeper Ingrid Hjelmseth was the hero for Norway, saving Denmark's first two spot-kicks from Line Roddik and Theresa Nielsen. All four of Norway's efforts were successful, with Trine Ronning taking the final kick to put them into the final.

Germany beat the hosts, Sweden, 1-0 in Gothenburg on Wednesday to book their place in the final, which will be played at the Friends Arena in Stockholm on Sunday.