The United States set up a rematch of last year's Algarve Cup final with Denmark by defeating Norway 4-0 on Monday.
Natasha Kai, left, of the US, celebrates with teammate Abby Wambach after scoring the opening goal against Norway during their Algarve Cup women's soccer match yesterday in Alvor, Portugal. The US defeated Norway 4-0 to advance to the final.
A mistake by Norwegian goalkeeper Ingrid Hjelmseth allowed Natasha Kai to break the deadlock in the 55th minute. Hjelmseth placed the ball on the ground after an American attack and Kai kicked it into the goal.
Two minutes later, Abby Wambach scored on a cross by Carli Lloyd. Heather O'Reilly got her third goal of the tournament in the 65th with a header.
"They had the better of it in the first half," O'Reilly said. "Kai's energy and her goal inspired us in the second."
Substitute Amy Rodriguez got the fourth goal with a weak shot in the 90th that Hjelmseth fumbled. The United States has scored 10 goals so far in the tournament.
The U.S. finished 3-0 in Group B. In the other Group B game, Italy beat China 2-0.
Denmark defeated Finland 1-0 win Monday in Group A. World champion Germany defeated Sweden 2-0, and will face Norway in the third-place playoff.
Last year, the United States defeated Denmark 2-0 to win the Algarve Cup for the fifth time.
(Agencies via Xinhua News Agency March 11, 2008)