ENGLAND’S HOPES of Women’s Euro 2009 glory were shattered by ruthless Germany despite a battling effort in a compelling final in Helsinki last night.
Goals from Karen Carney and Kelly Smith twice kept England in contention but the world champions were ultimately far too strong as they secured a fifth successive continental title.
Prolific pair Inka Grings – who finished as the tournament’s leading scorer with six – and Birgit Prinz both struck twice, while Melanie Behringer and Kim Kulig were also on target.
Smith’s goal after 55 minutes had reduced the arrears to 3-2 and given England hope of a first major title but Grings and Prinz spectacularly closed out the game. Yet there was no shame in losing to a German side that have not been beaten in tournament football for 10 years
ENGLAND: Brown, Stoney, Asante, White, Alex Scott, Jill Scott, Chapman (Westwood 86), Aluko (Sanderson 82), Williams, Carney, Kelly Smith. Booked: Stoney. Goals: Carney 24, Kelly Smith 55.
GERMANY: Angerer, Peter, Bartusiak, Krahn, Bresonik, Laudehr, Kulig, Behringer (Okoyino Da Mbaabi 60), Prinz, Garefrekes (Bajramaj 83), Grings. Goals: Prinz 20, Behringer 22, Kulig 51, Grings 62, 73, Prinz 76. Att: 15,877.
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