UEFA.com works better on other browsers
For the best possible experience, we recommend using Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge.

Spain coach López reveals winning hand

Spain's Pedro López explained the master plan that overwhelmed Switzerland early in the Reykjavik final, with rival Monica Di Fonzo admitting the Swiss were nervous.

Spain coach Pedro López with the UEFA European Women's Under-17 Championship trophy
Spain coach Pedro López with the UEFA European Women's Under-17 Championship trophy ©Sportsfile

Pedro López, Spain coach
We had to get the players refreshed after the huge semi-final effort against France. We had analysed Switzerland and they're a team who play in a very similar way to us. They like to press, like attacking, have some very quick players up front and play the ball out from the back, starting with the keeper. Since we play that way too, we tried to make sure the girls understood them and I think that showed first half. In the first half, our quality told and our game plan worked. Consequently, we opened up a lead that set the tone for the match. We knew we couldn't wait until later on because Switzerland have shown they're very strong physically and confident at the end of games. So we set out to get at them from the off, even pressing their keeper who launches their moves from the back. We tried to take the initiative, we created chances and then in the second half – because these are young girls, because it was a final and because of tiredness – it became a bit of a crazy match. The players gradually lost their shape, it became the kind of game we coaches don't like, but luckily we were already ahead and the girls were able to see out the win. For us, it's a combination of ability, fighting spirit and playing with heart.

Monica Di Fonzo, Switzerland coach
I expected Spain to play well tactically as I had watched all the games at this tournament and analysed our opponents. We were playing our first final and we did not do too badly but Spain were better technically and faster. We planned to be compact in defence and then to rely on fast counterattacks with our quick forwards going for goal. It was hard for us after Spain scored their second goal but my team offered a good reaction in the second half. It was probably too late then for us to fully get back into the game but it was very important that we tried and scored some goals. Clearly my players were hungry, especially after knocking out defending champions Germany, but coming to the final it was clear they were nervous – much more than in the last game where there was not so much pressure. However, this is the first time for Swiss football to make it to the final and it has been a very good achievement. Maybe we will improve even further after this final and go on to win the next tournament.

Lucía García, Spain forward
It's really satisfying to win and I'm very happy. There's a lot of quality here so this tournament has helped me to grow a lot – it has helped me to develop as a player and as a person. Work, perseverance, doing well every single day, a lot of intensity and dedication – that's been the key for us. Our coach has done a great job, we're all very happy to have him as our boss.

Selected for you