Olympic bronze for Germany
Thursday, August 26, 2004
Article summary
Germany's women claimed Olympic bronze by beating Sweden, while the US overcame Brazil to win gold.
Article body
German consolation
Having lost to the US in the semi-finals, Germany were unable to match their success in last year's FIFA Women's World Cup. But they at least gained consolation with a 1-0 win at the Karaiskaki stadium in Athens against the side they also overcame in the World Cup final.
Lingor winner
Renate Lingor scored the only goal on 17 minutes, and Germany were able to hold on to the bronze medal thanks to goalkeeper Silke Rottenberg whose heroics kept out Sweden, semi-final losers against Brazil. There was another honour for the Germans with Birgit Prinz's five goals making her the tournament's joint-top scorer with Brazil's Cristiane.
US gold
The US, who had won the inaugural women's football gold in 1996, added to that haul with a 2-1 extra-time success. Lindsay Tarpley's first-half opener was cancelled out by Pretinha on 73 minutes, and although Brazil twice hit the post before the end of normal time, the US held on and Abby Wambach headed a 112th-minute winner.