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Simone Laudehr and Celia Okoyino da Mbabi stepped off the substitutes bench to help fire Germany to a 3-1 win over Norway in Helsinki and into a final showdown with England.

Isabell Herlovsen appeared to get the final touch to a far-post corner to send Norway in ahead at the break, but second half strikes from the two replacements, plus a stoppage time effort from third sub Fatmire Bajramaj downed the Scandinavians.

England now stand between the Germans and the trophy they have won on the last four occasions in what promises to be an epic final.

Norway signalled their battling intent in the very first minute. A challenge from Leni Larsen Kaurin left Babett Peter needing treatment and coach Bjarne Berntsen's side physical presence paid dividends just nine minutes later.

A corner left Nadine Angerer rooted to her line and as the ball flew over a crowd of players, Isabell Herlovsen claimed the goal despite inconclusive replays.

Norway almost doubled their money midway through the first half.

As another corner caused havoc in the German defence, Angerer palmed the ball to Lene Storlokken whose snapshot cannoned off the post.

The Germans looked a shadow of their usual selves, but they almost benefited from a corner of their own when Melanie Behringer's delivery hit the bar.

Inka Grings then forced a great save from Ingrid Hjlemseth after a superb solo run, but the Norwegians were good value for their half time lead.

German coach Silvia Neid shuffled her pack for the second half and the arrival of substitute Okoyino da Mbabi immediately gave her side fresh impetus.

Minutes after her introduction, Mbabi flew down the right and the previously lacklustre Birgit Prinz forced a fine diving save from Ingrid Hjelmseth.

Prinz then almost benefited from Inka Grings's pass and the inevitable goal came on 59 minutes.

Sub Laudehr crashed the ball home from Behringer's far post cross and Germany edged ahead two minutes later when Mbabi rose to power a header past Hjelmseth.

Norway huffed and puffed and although sub Cecile Pedersen's lob almost caught Angerer out, a third German goal always looked on the cards.

Prinz and Grings came close in the final stages, but it was three minutes into stoppage time when Prinz was denied by Hjelmseth, and Bajramaj rolled the loose ball home to set up a thrillling climax against Hope Powell's side.

UEFA Women"s European Championship final LIVE at 4.40pm on Thursday on British Eurosport (Sky 410 / Virgin Media 521); Also available on your PC via the Eurosport Player - click on the link under the picture to subscribe

Ian Hare / Eurosport