Danilova seals Russian progress

By Margus Luik at Municipal stadium

Russia will face Germany in the semi-finals of the UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship for the second season in succession after today's 5-0 victory against Scotland earned them the runners-up spot behind France in Group B.

Anxious wait
Valentin Grishin's side never looked back after Elena Terekhova's 51st-second opener, with Elena Morozova contributing a further goal and Elena Danilova three more after half-time. Still, Russia started the day in third place in the section and had an anxious wait on the pitch after the final whistle before the news broke that England could only draw 1-1 with France, and therefore ceded second place.

Flying start
Russia got off to the best possible start, with Terekhova breaking the deadlock after dispossessing Joelle Murray and slotting the ball past Caroline Collie. Nine minutes later, a neat combination set up Danilova but the striker, who scored two against England on Friday, contrived to sky her effort well over the crossbar from just six metres.

Danilova profligacy
The disappointment was short-lived, however, and on 12 minutes Russia doubled the advantage when Olga Petrova's left-wing cross was steered home by Morozova. Despite the cushion, Russia continued to press throughout the first hour, but Danilova looked out of sorts in missing three further chances inside one fraught ten-minute spell.

Scotland substitutes
Scotland slowly gained a foothold in the match, retaining possession and stringing passes together before the Andrashida heat took its toll and they lost their rhythm after two forced substitutions. A clash of heads with Petrova then forced Jayne Sommerville to make way after the restart and Russia grew in strength.

Duncan chance
Danilova made it 3-0 on 57 minutes, tapping in after a great run from Morozova. Scotland almost reduced the deficit six minutes later, when Diana Barry threaded the ball to Erika Duncan whose flick flew just wide of the Elvira Todua's post. Normality was soon restored, though, and Collie was in action at the other end when saving well from Petrova.

Danilova hat-trick
Russia made an easy victory emphatic in the final ten minutes, with Danilova completing her hat-trick. In the 81st minute, she pounced on a poor clearance before calmly beating Collie. Five minutes later the indefatigable Petrova worked another opening for Danilova who again made no mistake.

Germany revenge
The nerves returned on the final whistle but with England's failure to win, Russia will now have the chance to gain revenge against the Germans following an 8-0 defeat in the last four 12 months ago.