The Germans, looking to win a fourth successive European title, controlled the game with ease after taking a two-goal lead in the first 18 minutes. Striker Birgit Prinz, returning from injury, opened the scoring and left winger Conny Pohlers doubled the advantage.

Second half goals by central defender Stephie Jones and striker Anja Mittag saw Germany stroll to a victory which not only took them into the last four but also eliminated a disappointing Italy side from the competition.

The other Group B match, between France and Norway at Warrington, was far closer and, particularly in the second half, a thrilling contest which ended in a controversial refereeing decision that could prove costly to France after being held to a 1-1 draw.

The French took a 20th minute lead through right winger Stephanie Mugneret-Beghe, but Norway hit back strongly after the break and equalised through substitute Isabell Herlovsen in the 66th minute.

Outstanding Norwegian midfielder Solveig Gulbrandsen unluckily hit the post in the 86th minute, but then two minutes from time French midfielder Sandrine Soubeyrand put the ball into the net - only to contentiously have the goal ruled out for offside.

Television replays suggested the ‘goal’ was legitimate and French coach Elisabeth Loisel, recalling a similar incident that proved fatal to their Euro 2001 campaign, was less than happy with the match officials.

“TV says it was a goal and it should have stood,” she said. “In 2001 we were eliminated by Denmark through a refereeing error, and although we are still in the competition this time, that goal would have taken us into the semi-finals.”

As France - like Germany - had won their first match, a winner against the Norwegians would indeed have put Loisel’s side into the last four and knocked their opponents out of the tournament.

Instead they will need to take at least a point off Germany in their final group match at Warrington on Sunday, while Norway must beat Italy at Preston and hope that the Germans beat the French - in which case Norway and France would end the group stage on level points and goal difference would come into play.