Germany retain title in stunning style

Germany retained the UEFA European Women's Under-17 Championship title in stunning style as new star Kyra Malinowski scored five goals in an emphatic defeat of Spain.

Dominance
Malinowski had already claimed a semi-final hat-trick against France and her superb display, along with that of her team-mates, thrilled the crowd in Nyon as Germany produced a performance of pace, power and incisive finishing that their opponents were unable to counter. It is the biggest margin of victory in a UEFA final and means Germany have won both Women's U17 titles since the competition was introduced last season.

Early goal
The teams began in confident mood after fine semi-final wins, and Spain almost took a sensational lead inside 15 seconds when a defensive lapse let in Esther González, but her fierce shot was deflected wide by German goalkeeper Anna Felicitas Sarholz. Spain were punished for that miss after just three minutes, Lynn Mester – one of three survivors from last season's squad along with Carolin Simon and Claudia Götte – heading the ball in via the underside of the crossbar from Ramona Petzelberger's corner.

Lead increased
Boosted by the early strike, Germany drove forward, and after Leonie Maier had fired over they struck again on 17 minutes. The livewire Nicole Rolser sped away down the right to cross low into the area, and Malinowski made no mistake from close range. Spain were clearly shocked by the turn of events, and goalkeeper Sandra Paños made a superb double save to deny Mester and Petzelberger. Malinowski might had scored again when well placed as the interval approached, but dragged wide and the half ended with Laura Gutiérrez heading a Petzelberger shot off the line.

Further strikes
Any hope of a Spain comeback became forlorn two minutes after the break. The outstanding Petzelberger and Mester combined in the area to set up Malinowski, and the striker's fierce shot extended the lead. It was 4-0 three minutes later, as Malinowski burst clear of the Spain defence to fire past Paños for her second hat-trick of the week. She was not done, however.

Fifth for Malinowski
A fourth arrived – Germany's fifth – within five minutes as Spain's resistance crumbled, Malinowski racing onto Rolser's through-ball to lob Paños. Spain captain Anabel Martínez, who had not started due to a niggle but replaced the injured Yazmina Rodríguez late in the first half, conceded a penalty with 12 minutes left when she fouled Rolser and Germany captain Johanna Elsig converted. The final word inevitably went to Malinowski when she pounced on a loose ball at the death and screwed in a shot from a tight angle to complete a day she and her team-mates will never forget.