UEFA's last four places at China 2007 were decided in each respective team's last qualifying match. Sweden qualified with a 2-0 win over the Czech Rep as Hanna LJUNGBERG's two goals secured first place in Group 2. In Group 3, Denmark fought off a strong challenge from Finland and took first place with a 1-0 win. Germany held on to win 3-2 against Russia to win Group 4. And in Rennes, France needed a win to qualify from Group 5 and in fact got a late equaliser from Ludivine DIGUELMAN. But Les Bleues couldn't find net again, and England escaped with a 1-1 draw and a ticket to their second Women's World Cup.

Norway withstood Sweden's comeback to win their 2005 European Women's Championship semifinal 3-2 in overtime, Solveig GULBRANDSEN scoring the winner. The extra period was forced after Hanna LJUNGBERG equalised in the 89th minute. In the final in Blackburn, England on SUN 19 JUN 2005, Norway will meet Germany, who defeated Finland 4-1 in the other semifinal.

England blew a 2-0 lead in their first match at Women's Euro 2005 but recovered to defeat Finland 3-2 on Karen CARNEY's late goal. Anna-Kaisa RANTANEN pulled one back for the Finns early in the second half, and Laura KALMARI equalised in the 89th minute. Only two minutes later, though, Carney collected an earlier save off Satu KUNNAS and lobbed over the Finland defense to delight the Manchester crowd. The other Group A match on opening day saw Sweden and Denmark draw 1-1.

The draw for UEFA's 2007 Women's World Cup qualifiers was made on FRI 18 MAR 2005, putting twenty five hopefuls into five groups. The highlight is Group 4, where defending champions Germany must face Russia; both teams topped their respective groups at USA 2003. France and England are partners in Group 5, after les Bleues eliminated England for UEFA's last place at the 2003 Women's World Cup. The five group winners qualify, with play beginning in AUG 2005. more...