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Group A trio out to impress on finals debut

Hosts Turkey are one of four nations set to make their final tournament debut on 2 July, but senior men's coach Abdullah Avcı says it is not the taking part that counts, but winning.

Group A trio out to impress on finals debut
Group A trio out to impress on finals debut ©UEFA.com

Turkey will make their UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship final tournament bow in Antalya on 2 July and senior men's coach Abdullah Avcı wants to make the most of home advantage in Group A against Denmark and fellow debutants Portugal and Romania.

The hosts take on Portugal in the opening fixture and Avcı is confident Turkey will do more than just enjoy the occasion. "To play in the finals is a truly great feeling," he said. "It's important to be able to savour the experience. The main focus will be on winning, but we also have to enjoy the fact we are taking part in the finals."

Romania will also make their bow and should not be underestimated after topping second qualifying round Group 3 ahead of the Netherlands and 2010 champions France to qualify. However, coach Mirel Albon is under no illusions as to the size of the task his side face trying to reach the semi-finals.

"I'm sure the group will be very difficult because everybody knows Denmark have a lot of experience," he said. "They have played in a lot of final tournaments and I'm sure they will play well again. Portugal, who beat Norway, are also dangerous. Turkey, as hosts, will be very motivated and we will have a very difficult match against them. For us, it's a joy and honour to be here."

Portugal reached their first finals at the expense of Norway, courtesy of a superior head-to-head record, and coach José Paisana will ask his side to keep up the good work in Antalya. "We will approach the tournament in the same way as we did the second qualifying round," he said. "We will give it our best shot and hope to make a name for Portuguese women's football."

Serbia will be the fourth nation making their final tournament debut when they take on Spain in Group B, which also contains 2009 finalists England and Sweden.

Watch the full interviews in the video box above.

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