Coach praises Germany toughness

Germany 3-1 Norway

Tina Theune-Mayer said Germany women's Euro 2005 final triumph was down to their remarkable mental strength.

Theune-Mayer's trophy-laden reign as the German boss came to an end with the 3-1 win over Norway at Ewood Park - their fourth straight European title.

"I always felt that we could win this tournament and today it was the same feeling," she explained.

"We have a very tough-minded group, of really good women. They play with heart and they want to win everything."

The Germans went through the tournament unbeaten - conceding only two goals in the process - and were worthy winners over Norway, the only team to pose them any problems.

We gave them a good match - I hope we have proved some people wrong Norway's Solveig Gulbrandsen

But Theune-Mayer insisted the gulf between her world champions and their rivals was not massive.

"I don't think we are so far ahead, if you look at the players they all have, they all have players for the future," she added.

Just as they had in the group game, Norway had their chances, but ultimately came up short.

But midfielder Solveig Gulbrandsen hopes their achievement in finishing runners-up answers their critics.

"I think we gave them a good match," she said. "If we had got it to 2-2 we would've been in the game again but it went 3-1 and it was hard for us.

"I hope we have proved some people wrong.

"I really think we have done a great tournament and I'm proud of the girls. But Germany are an enormous team."