France pip Scotland to place in Iceland
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Article summary
France joined Spain and hosts Iceland in the Women's Under-17 finals after coming from behind to beat Scotland 3-1 in the elite round Group 6 decider in Poland.
Article top media content
Article body
France joined Spain and hosts Iceland in the UEFA European Women's Under-17 Championship this summer after coming from behind to beat Scotland 3-1 in the elite round Group 6 decider in Poland.
Both France and Scotland had defeated Poland and Slovakia to go into the last day dead level. But France, three-time runners-up and qualifiers last time out in England, were to prevail, their closing victory a fine result in their 50th match in this competition. The draw is on 29 April in Iceland.
• Winners: France needed 72 minutes on the opening day to break the deadlock against Poland in a 2-0 win but kept on improving as they overcame Slovakia 1-0 and then Scotland 3-1, coming from behind in a 14-minute goal burst.
• Other performances: Scotland went into the final day dead level with France but will not be able to qualify as the best runners-up.
• Key moment: Amira Oud Braham's great lob from 25 metres against Scotland, giving France a 2-1 lead and paving the way to Icelabnd.
• Star performer: France left-winger Marie-Antoinette Katoto was too fast and technically skilled for any opposition defenders. She finished the tournament with three goals and two assists.
Reaction:
Sandrine Soubeyrand, France coach
We are very happy that we have qualified for the final tournament. That was our aim. Today's game was really tough, but we played really well. The other two teams were strong too. Now our aim is to keep winning and put on a good performance at the final tournament. Our main strength is team spirit.