WU19 EURO: matchday two preview
Thursday, July 21, 2016
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The second round of games at the 2016 finals takes place on Friday, with pre-tournament favourites Germany and France looking to kick-start their campaigns after false starts.
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Netherlands v Norway (Zlate Moravce) 18:00CEST
Norway brings back happy memories for the Dutch: it was there that they won the WU19 EURO in 2014! Both teams recorded wins on Tuesday, Norway beating section favourites France and the Netherlands hitting six without reply against Slovakia. "One coach [Janna Torny] told us to just keep scoring because you never know how important a good goal difference will be," said hat-trick heroine Jill Roord. "The Norway game will be difficult. We're at a similar level and play similar styles of football, but we'll cope."
Slovakia v France (Senec) 19:00
Three-time winners France had a false start on Tuesday but are eager to lay down a marker against the hosts. They will have to do it without midfielder Hawa Cissoko, suspended after her first-half red card against Norway. Slovakia, meanwhile, have regrouped, according to captain Michaela Motovská. "We were disappointed to lose so heavily to Netherlands, but we were surprised to see France had lost, too. Now there's an opportunity for us to show what we can do against them."
Germany v Switzerland (Senica) 18:00
This is a must-win game from a Germany perspective, and a defeat would end their campaign if Spain – who beat them 1-0 on Tuesday – pick up a point in the other match. Free-scoring Switzerland increased their competition goal tally this season to 43 with four goals against Austria in their opener. Can four-time winners Germany keep them at bay? Maren Meinert's team have only conceded four in the same period.
Spain v Austria (Myjava) 18:00
This is Austria's first finals, and it could end quicker than they'd like if they lose to Spain. Goalkeeper Carolin Grössinger isn't entertaining the thought. "We're feeling confident now, having analysed our own performance, as well as Spain. For me, the preparation has focused on Spain's forwards, and I know I'll be pretty busy. The opening game was disappointing, but it's done now. We had a really successful elite round so we want to bring that quality to this final tournament."