Germany strike late for title

Nathalie Bock and Monique Kerschowski struck in extra time as Germany finally cracked England's resolute defence to secure a 2-0 victory and retain the UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship.

Cagey affair
Germany midfielder Bock struck two minutes after the turnaround in extra time, scrambling the ball in from close range after England failed to clear an awkward corner with Monique Kerschowski adding a second on the counterattack two minutes from time. Those strikes were enough to decide a final that had hung in the balance throughout as defences dominated in a game of few chances. Nadine Kessler came closest, rattling the bar with a header midway through the second half as Germany were taken to extra time for a second time in four days. But, as against France in the last four, they eventually prevailed.

Banecki effort
Such was Nicole Banecki's eagerness to get on with things that she initially neglected to join in Germany's pre-match ritual of high-fives. The winger quickly realised the error of her ways, turning on her heels to get involved and she was soon displaying a similar fleet of foot after kick-off. Six minutes had gone when she fashioned the first opening, cutting inside Sian Larkin and firing a deflected shot just wide. Carolin Schiewe, one of three survivors from last year's triumph in the starting lineup, headed the resulting corner wide but chances were at a premium in a cagey first half.

Whelan presence
Both teams defended in numbers, allowing their opponents little time to dwell as Germany briefly adopted a long ball game. Cross after cross was sent to the edge of the England box where it was invariably met by Fern Whelan, a commanding presence in Mo Marley's back line, who rose highest to meet high balls and slid furthest along the greasy surface to block rare chances. Stephanie Goddard had a shot deflected wide midway through the half, while at the other end Natasha Dowie almost tested Alisa Vetterlein with a shot that was close enough to send the keeper scrambling across goal.

Surprise omission
On the cusp of half-time, Banecki teed up Isabel Kerschowski on the edge of the box and though the Germany No9 sent her rising effort over, it augured well for a more open second half. It started brightly as Dowie, niece of former Northern Ireland striker Iain, slalomed into the penalty area before sending her effort into the side netting. That proved a false dawn, however, and just before the hour Maren Meinert made her first change by bringing on Monique Kerschowski, a surprise omission from the starting lineup.

Defensive strength
The ploy almost brought immediate dividends as the substitute teed up Kessler to fizz a low drive narrowly wide and the Germany captain went even closer 19 minutes from time when she headed Katharina Baunach's arcing free-kick against the bar. Monique Kerschowski threatened again soon after but her run was halted by another Whelan tackle and the England skipper and centre-back partner Sophie Bradley were worked hard as the final whistle approached as Germany pushed forward. They held out to force extra time before Bock and Monique Kerschowski finally broke through.