Marozsan gives Germany final spot

Dzsenifer Marozsan's goal four minutes into the second half provided Germany with a place in the inaugural UEFA European Women's Under-17 Championship final as Ralf Peter's side overcame a spirited Denmark at Nyon's Stade Colovray.

Marozsan winner
Striker Marozsan swivelled on the edge of the penalty area, wrong-footing two Denmark defenders, before belting the ball past Lene Gissel Rasmussen's outstretched right arm to seal the victory. The result kept alive the German dream of holding a concurrent clean sweep of women's football team titles.

Deserved win
In terms of scoring chances, Germany deserved the win, but they only started to find their attacking rhythm around the half-hour mark. Marozsan, impressive throughout, hit the crossbar with a free-kick 18 metres from goal with Gissel Rasmussen beaten after Alexandra Popp had been upended by Amanda Marie Hohol. Soon after, Marozsan came closer to breaking the deadlock when her well-struck attempt from 25 metres was equalled only by Gissel Rasmussen's diving save, the goalkeeper keeping the ball out low to her right by pawing it around the post.

Midfield dominance
Until Germany found their range, Denmark, operating in a 4-5-1 formation, had the better of the midfield exchanges with Katrine Vehe catching the eye down the left flank as her surging runs caused panic in the German rearguard. After eight minutes, Vehe avoided three challenges only to release possession after Stine Mikkelsen had strayed into an offside position on the edge of the area. But despite enjoying good spells of possession, Denmark only tested opposition keeper Anna Felicitas Sarholz once during the opening period when she easily gathered Mikkelsen's 20-metre effort after 22 minutes.

Late rally
Yetafter Germany took the lead, Bent Eriksen's side tried to take the game to their rivals with Pernille Harder offering more attacking support to substitute Anne Thirup Rudmose, who replaced Mikkelsen after 54 minutes. Three openings ensued involving Thirup Rudmose, Hohol and Harder, but Sarholz was never seriously extended with her team now looking forward to the final against either England or France on Friday.