Nordic rivals Norway and Sweden, the reigning European champions, were dispatched 5-0 and 2-0 respectively, and these wins witnessed an emerging new star making her mark. Pauline Bremer, still just 17, claimed a hat-trick in the win over the Norwegians and followed up that feat with both her side’s goals in yesterday’s defeat of the Swedes.
The European contingent travelling to Canada 2014 has been rounded out by England, Finland and France.
England qualified top of Group A at the championship in Wales after a convincing 3-0 win over Denmark and can now look forward to a semi-final against Finland.
The Finns have been the tournament’s surprise package, advancing unbeaten from Group B at the expense of Nordic rivals Sweden and Norway. The already qualified Germans were the latest to find it tough against Marianne Miettinen’s side, who claimed a 1-1 draw thanks to Julie Kemppi’s 48th minute strike.
Germany’s next test will come against France, who made sure of the runners-up spot in Group A with a comfortable 3-0 win over their Welsh hosts in which Clarisse Le Bihan scored a double.
Both semi-finals will be played on Wednesday, with the final following three days later.
Story courtesy of FIFA.com
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