The triumph owed much to the superb form of Heikkinen Katja, who struck 10 times as Finland romped to the final.

Fourteen teams – Germany, Sweden, Russia, Greece, Britain, Canada, Israel, Finland, the US, Australia, Japan, Denmark, Spain and the Netherlands – were all in Malmo, the third biggest competition on the women's goalball circuit, for the tournament, making it a record level of particpation. 

The highest profile absentee was current world champions China

The 14 teams were split into two preliminary groups, with Canada breezing through the group stage and straight into the semi finals in style, only failing to win once with a 2-2 draw with Russia.

Israel finished second, just edging Britain into third.

Finland worked well through their pool, scoring 19 times and winning five on their way to the last four.

Their only defeat was to the Beijing 2008 Paralympic champions the US (pictured below in Beijing), whom they met again later in the final.


The US came second, without losing a game, whilst Japan were four points behind in third, reaching the last eight.

The US were convincing winners in the quarter finals too, crushing Britain 5-0 to set up a showdown with neighbours Canada.

The other quarter final saw Israel edge out Japan 2-1 on penalties.

Penalties were needed again in the last four as Canada and the US drew, with the Americans going through after winning 6-5 on spot kicks.

In the final, Finland helped in no small part by the prolific Katja, beat the US, avenging their pool defeat with a 3-0 win to lift the trophy for the first time in 12 years.

Canada brushed aside Israel for third place, with a 6-1 win in their final game, with Nancy Morin's prolific form earning her the top goalscorer award after she struck 12 times during the tournament.

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