Germany coach Silvia Neid hailed her side's resolute defending after they cruised into their second successive World Cup final with a 3-0 victory over Norway.
With the semi-final encounter evenly poised in the first half, Germany made the breakthrough in fortuitous circumstances just before the break when Birgit Prinz's cross deflected off Trine Ronning and into the back of the net.
The defending champions dominated possession after the interval and two goals in three minutes through Kerstin Stegemen and Martine Mueller ensured their place in Sunday's final of the competition in Shanghai.
The victory also means Germany have not conceded a single goal on their road to the final and coach Neid admitted it was a perfect performance.
"I'm very proud of my team," she said. "Yet again, our defending was the key to our success. We allowed Norway hardly any chances.
"Overall, I would say it was another first-rate and solid team performance.
"We've made the final without conceding a single goal, which is absolutely fantastic. Actually, I don't think that's ever happened before at a Women's World Cup.
"We played with a great deal more confidence after the first goal, and the second goal came at exactly the right time for us. We knew we'd go on and win it after that."
The result was not quite a fair reflection of the game, with Norway particularly unlucky to concede the own goal in the first half.
They remained in the game despite the setback but were undone by Germany's quick-fire double in the second period.
"Obviously, I'm bitterly disappointed," said coach Byarne Berntsen. "We were very unlucky with the own goal in the first half.
"Looking back on the game, that turned out to be a big moment, it was the crucial turning point in the match.
"And just look at the third goal we conceded, it was all down to a terrible defensive mistake.
"You simply can't afford to make mistakes against Germany, because they'll punish you."
Norway will now look to capture the bronze medal on Sunday to complete what has still been an impressive campaign for the Scandinavians.
Germany's opponents in the final will be decided on Thursday when Brazil tackle the world number one side, the United States, in Hangzhou.
The defending champions dominated possession after the interval and two goals in three minutes through Kerstin Stegemen and Martine Mueller ensured their place in Sunday's final of the competition in Shanghai.
The victory also means Germany have not conceded a single goal on their road to the final and coach Neid admitted it was a perfect performance.
"I'm very proud of my team," she said. "Yet again, our defending was the key to our success. We allowed Norway hardly any chances.
"Overall, I would say it was another first-rate and solid team performance.
"We've made the final without conceding a single goal, which is absolutely fantastic. Actually, I don't think that's ever happened before at a Women's World Cup.
"We played with a great deal more confidence after the first goal, and the second goal came at exactly the right time for us. We knew we'd go on and win it after that."
The result was not quite a fair reflection of the game, with Norway particularly unlucky to concede the own goal in the first half.
They remained in the game despite the setback but were undone by Germany's quick-fire double in the second period.
"Obviously, I'm bitterly disappointed," said coach Byarne Berntsen. "We were very unlucky with the own goal in the first half.
"Looking back on the game, that turned out to be a big moment, it was the crucial turning point in the match.
"And just look at the third goal we conceded, it was all down to a terrible defensive mistake.
"You simply can't afford to make mistakes against Germany, because they'll punish you."
Norway will now look to capture the bronze medal on Sunday to complete what has still been an impressive campaign for the Scandinavians.
Germany's opponents in the final will be decided on Thursday when Brazil tackle the world number one side, the United States, in Hangzhou.
Copyright (c) Press Association
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