VIBORG, Sep 27 (SW) – Maiken Pape has headed Denmark to the World Cup of 2007. Denmark was the stronger team and had the most chances in a tight match against Finland.

Finland needed to win in a Viborg stadium filled with 9,337 spectators, and the team stood tall in the first half. Both outfits only had small chances. Denmark were slightly better but Finland that defended firmly. In the second half Denmark loosened up and started to press for the first 10 minutes. Strong keeper Meriluoto (Finland) fended off many incoming projectiles, but in the 59th minute the stadium exploded when Maiken Pape (from Brondby IF) headed in the 1-0 from a deep left cross.

After the goal Finland had to come and started playing the long ball. But Denmark was closer to the 2-0 than Finland were to the equaliser. Denmark had some small changes in the dying minutes.

National team coach Kenneth Heiner-Møller“We won a mental victory today." National team coach Kenneth Heiner-Møller said after the match. "A decisive moment for the Danish team, the experience of today can help us in the World Cup. We never doubted that we were the better team, and that the goal would come eventually. We remained patient and ran the ball fast during the game.”

Denmark – Finland 1-0 (0-0)

Goal: 56. Maiken Pape 1-0
Attendance: 9,337