Germany and Norway qualify
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
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Holders Germany booked the last place in Nyon and in the last four will be matched with the nation they beat in the 2008 final, France, while Norway will take on Spain.
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Holders Germany booked the last remaining place in the UEFA European Women's Under-17 Championship finals today, earning a date with France, while Norway pipped Sweden on goal difference to set up a meeting with Spain.
Semi-final lineup
As last year, the final tournament is a four-team event played at the Colovray Stadium in UEFA's Swiss home town of Nyon from 22-25 June. The semi-finals on the first of those days will match the winners of second qualifying round Groups 1 and 2 – Norway and Spain – while France, who topped Group 4, face Germany in a repeat of the inaugural final won last May by Ralf Peter's German team. The final, televised live on Eurosport, and third-place play-off take place three days after the semis.
Germany through
The reigning champions needed only a point against Switzerland to clinch first place in Group 3 in Hungary today, and triumphed 6-0, meaning Germany have now won all 14 games they have played in this competition since its inception last season. Russia finished third after beating Hungary 3-2.
Coach's backing
Nicole Rolser struck twice in the first half for Germany, before Kyra Malinowski added two after the break along with goals from Annika Doppler and Ramona Petzelberger. Peter said: "We are still in contention for the title we aimed to win from the start. European Championship victory is our goal and we can achieve it. I back this time to win the European Championship."
Norway pip Sweden
In Group 1 in FYR Macedonia, Norway led Sweden on goal difference ahead of the last games, with Ukraine a point behind. Sweden beat the hosts 1-0 with an Anna Hjälmkvist goal but it was not enough to deny Norway, 3-1 winners against Ukraine. Else Vassbø and Emilie Haavi scored for Norway in the first 15 minutes, and although Darya Veorontsova pulled one back, Marlene Utland removed all doubt early in the second half.
Top-flight experience
Norway coach Tarjei Smågesjø said: "We have some players who played in the [Norwegian] top division last year and took part in friendlies in the winter. The experience they have gained in those games has been critical in helping us reach the European finals. Only four teams will be there so we can be champions."