Parting shot

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GERMANY's women claimed a fourth successive European Championship title, beating Norway in an entertaining Euro 2005 final at Ewood Park.

Germany established an early two-goal lead through Anja Mittag's close-range finish and Renate Lingor's lob. Norway rallied when Stine Frantzen fed Dagny Mellgren, who flicked the ball past German keeper Silke Rottenberg.

The win provided an appropriate parting gift for Germany's coach Tina Theune-Meyer, who is stepping down as the team's coach.

Germany deserved their win, with their second goal -- a visionary pass allied to a slick finish -- encapsulating the strengths of Theune Meyer's side. Given Germany's early dominance it was no surprise they established that early two-goal lead.

As early as the fourth minute Norway's left- back Gunhild Folstad had had to help out her defence by rushing across to slide in and tackle Prinz as Germany's captain bared down on goal. Prinz was denied by more Norwegian heroics when Nordby superbly tipped over the bar her rising volley. The reprieve proved short-lived as from the corner Anja Mittag scooped home Inka Grings' header.

Germany were soon back on the attack and Folstad again came to her side's rescue when she blocked Mittag's close-range shot. Norway were struggling to contain Germany and the holders pushed home their advantage with a cleverly-crafted goal. Britta Carlson's wonderful pass picked out Lingor and the Germany midfielder calmly lobbed the stranded Nordby.

Mellgren had caused Germany's defence some problems on the right and just before the interval the Norway forward scored to drag Bjarne Berntsen's side back into the game.

Norway finished the half strongly, with a goal from Frantzen narrowly ruled out for offside and Rottenberg having to push away Solveig Gulbrandsen's shot.

Soon after the restart Rottenberg had to make another fine save pushing away Lise Klaveness' rising shot. Norway's revival abruptly came to a halt when Prinz's long- range shot took a huge deflection off Stangeland to deceive Nordby.