France resources satisfy Smerecki

France coach Francis Smerecki pointed to his side's fortitude and strength in depth as the UEFA European Under-19 Championship hosts recorded a second win in as many Group A games to leave themselves within touching distance of a place in next week's semi-finals. The Netherlands, meanwhile, bounced back from their opening defeat at the hands of Les Bleus to join England on three points by beating Noel Blake's team in Bayeux, leaving Wim van Zwam a satisfied man.

FRANCE 5-0 AUSTRIA
Francis Smerecki, France coach
Until the second goal I saw a good Austrian team which caused us a lot of problems. We had difficulties at times but once you are 2-0 up it is nearly always a guaranteed win. We knew Austria have quality as they scared England and disturbed us for 60 minutes. But, as in the Netherlands match, we stuck together and scored first. As soon as our opponents tired we created opportunities and scored more goals. We found the resources, especially with the players who came on, brought their determination and played the right way. We reached our prime objective nice and quickly because after only two games we already have our eyes on next year's [FIFA U-20] World Cup. Now we have to repeat the same performances in the matches ahead.

Andreas Heraf, Austria coach
Usually when you lose 5-0 it is tough for the team, me and our nation but I have to look at the match differently because we played well for 60 minutes. In the first period we had four chances to score. We knew that France were an outstanding team but it was beautiful for 60 minutes. After that France showed their true selves; this team is quality. When they have space, they play unbelievably well. France can [reach the final] because of the quality of their players and the way they play together. They are ready both physically and tactically and they have a chance of winning the tournament.

NETHERLANDS 1-0 ENGLAND
Wim van Zwam, Netherlands coach
Of course I'm more satisfied than after the first game. We started well, played our possession game and England had difficulty defending it. We got a couple of chances and scored a terrific goal. We played well in the first half but had some problems in the second because of the physical advantage of the English team; they played a lot of long balls and free-kicks forward and most of our players are shorter than theirs so it was always dangerous when the ball was in our box. We didn't play that well in the second half but I'm satisfied with how we played in the first and with the result, because we're still in the game and that's the most important thing. That was our aim for today.

Noel Blake, England coach
I'm obviously disappointed we've lost. The main disappointing thing apart from that is the way we started; we looked nervous, hesitant. The more it went on, the more I thought 'We've got to change it'. After we did that we gradually got into the game. On the second-half performance we deserved more. I couldn't have asked for more in terms of effort and endeavour. There's a big improvement in this game, a massive improvement. If we could have started better we could certainly have gone on and got a result – I'm not saying we'd necessarily have beaten them but we'd certainly have got something.