Formidable France win Nordic Cup

France, second only to Germany in performances in the UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship, showed they will be one of the teams to beat in the new U17 event next season as they won the strong Nordic Cup for the first time in Norway.

Sweden top group
The annual competition has been running since 1988 and was given extra spice by the forthcoming inaugural UEFA championship at this level. Holders Sweden were attempting to win the trophy for a record seventh time and began Group A with a 3-0 defeat of Iceland while Norway overcame the Netherlands 1-0. The Scandinavian rivals were successful again a day later, Norway beating Iceland 2-0 and Sweden winning 3-1 against the Netherlands. However, only one final place was available, and it went to Sweden as they defeated the hosts 2-0. The Netherlands gained a 3-1 victory against Iceland to end the group in third.

Germany pipped
Over in Group B, France were held 0-0 by Denmark in their first match as Germany edged ahead with a 1-0 win against Finland. That form continued 24 hours later as Germany scored four without reply against Denmark, but France kept their hopes alive as they saw off Finland 3-0. It was France who made it through thanks to a 3-2 victory against Germany with Marine Augis striking the winner six minutes from time just after a second equaliser from their opponents. Finland defeated Denmark 1-0 in their last group game.

Makanza winner
Before the showpiece came the matches for minor placings. Denmark defeated Iceland 4-1 for seventh, the Netherlands pipped Finland 1-0 for fifth and Germany took the bronze medal with a 4-0 win against Norway. The main focus though was on the third Nordic Cup final in four years between Sweden and France. Sweden had taken the honours in both 2004 and 2006, but it was France's turn this time. Pauline Crammer put them ahead on 13 minutes and although Julia Lyckberg equalised from the penalty spot in the 35th minute, Marina Makanza restored the French advantage within seconds and they held on to their 2-1 lead to take the trophy.

Sergent pleased
France coach Gérard Sergent said: "The squad has shown its strength and can compete with the best. Our objective for this competition was above all to prepare well for the first qualifying round of the European Championship." His side will be in F.Y.R. Macedonia and also meet Denmark and Armenia in the autumn, while of the other pools the one that stands out is Group 9, rematching Germany and Norway and beginning on 5 September.