Germany set up Spain showdown

A hat-trick from striker Kyra Malinowski helped reigning champions Germany see off a tenacious challenge from France to reach Thursday's UEFA European Women's Under-17 Championship final against Spain.

Perfect run
The two teams went into the game boasting unblemished defensive records, both having kept a perfect six qualifying clean sheets. Germany, scorers of 46 goals in those matches, led on the half-hour through Malinowski and although Anaïs Ribeyra equalised, Annika Doppler swiftly made it 2-1 and Malinowski struck twice after the break to keep up Germany's run of winning every game they have played since this competition was launched in 2007/08.

Opening goal
Germany made the early running, but neither goalkeeper was called into action until the 14th minute, when Pauline Peyraud-Magnin saved a long-range effort from Carolin Simon, like Lynn Mester and Claudia Götte a survivor from the squad that beat France 3-0 in last year's final. France then survived a major scare on 22 minutes, when Rolser's diving far-post header from Annika Doppler's cross hit the woodwork and the ball was scrambled clear. Peyraud-Magnin was earning her keep, tipping over a fierce Mester drive, but the resulting corner brought the breakthrough on the half-hour. France failed to deal with Ramona Petzelberger's corner, and spearhead Malinowski pounced to prod the ball in.

Lead restored
France's reply was brave and instant. Ribeyra showed wonderful persistence to force her way clear in a counterattack, her shot was saved by Anna Felicitas Sarholz, but she followed up to force the ball over the line. A fascinating game was suddenly buoyantly alive, and Germany were back in front two minutes later. Doppler cut inside and let fly from the left-hand edge of the area and the ball flew into the top corner for a splendid strike.

Advantage increased
France had fought hard to try and stem the German tide in the first half, but their task became tougher soon after the restart. Rolser's effort was cleared off the line, Peyraud-Magnin was unable to grasp the loose ball, and the lurking Malinowski pounced.

Treble sealed
Nevertheless, the French refused to concede defeat. Captain Marion Torent brought an acrobatic save from Sarholz with a spectacular long-range effort, and substitute Charlotte Fernandes flashed a centre across goal to remind Germany that the job was not yet done. It was left to Malinowski to wrap up victory, crowning a fine individual performance to round Peyraud-Magnin and score the fourth in the closing stages. They take on Spain for the title here on Thursday after France play Norway for third place.