Record win

Germany dealt England a resounding 6-2 defeat in the final of the Women's European Championships in Helsinki.

Thursday's victory not only gave Germany their seventh European title in total, it also meant the Germans kept their slate clean against England after booking the 19th consecutive win against the "Three Lions" squad. It also means the German women are now unbeaten at European Championships since 1993, winning 26 matches in a row.

"This is simply cool. It was a tough match but it was fun. We managed to score in the decisive moments," said Germany's star striker Birgit Prinz.

The reigning world champions were more efficient than the inspired English, with Prinz securing Germany's lead in the 20th minute.

Two minutes later Germany's Melanie Behringer hammered a 35-meter drive into the top left corner. England, far from giving up, responded almost immediately in the 24th minute with a goal by Karen Carney.

However, the Germans were determined to give England only a brief respite, and shortly into the second half Kim Kulig was lucky to net a ball that had bounced off the right-hand post.

But again Germany's two-goal lead did little to deter England, with Smith placing a perfectly executed shot into the bottom right hand corner. However, German player Inka Grings finally dashed all English hopes after scoring twice in the 62th and 73rd minute.

Grings was also the tournament's top scorer and is the first player to score a total of six goals at such an event.

"These European Championships were very long and very hard. I am very content now and overjoyed. As expected, England were great opponents," said Germany's coach Silvia Neid.

German President Horst Koehler was also among the spectators who had travelled to Finland.

"This was an important title and a great preparation for the 2011 World Cup in Germany. And the most important thing is: here it's not about the money," said Koehler.

nk/dpa/SID

Editor: Nancy Isenson