Germany's date with destiny

Proud and assured, Germany's youngsters are carrying on a fine tradition of success in the female game that has left them within reach of a second successive UEFA European Women's Under-17 Championship title. Ahead of Thursday's final against Spain in Nyon, the atmosphere in the German camp is focused and confident.

Epic encounter
Despite conceding their first goal in seven championship matches in Monday's semi-final against France, cancelling out their lead, Germany stormed on to win 4-1 and the showdown in the final against a buoyant Spanish outfit at the Colovray Stadium promises to be an epic encounter. For captain Johanna Elsig, a first European final promises to be an experience that she will take through what will hopefully be a fine career. "I will prepare for the game by listening to music, thinking about what I want to achieve and concentrating totally on the match," she said.

Proud moment
Elsig was born in Duren-Lendersdorf and plays for FC Düren Niederau 08. She said hearing the national anthem before the final will be an epiphany. "You feel a certain nervousness inside, but you try to enjoy the moment, it's something special." How will she feel if, in the event of a German victory on Thursday, she is walking up the steps to receive the trophy? "It would be a unique experience to lift the trophy," she reflects, "because you never know if might be the last time."

Savouring the final
With her pace and persistence on the right-hand side of Germany's attack, VfL Sindelfingen's Nicole Rolser was a constant thorn in France's side in Monday's semi-final and, like the rest of the squad, she is savouring the prospect of the final while keeping her feet firmly on the ground. "You feel excited and you're just wanting the game to start," she said. "It's a special feeling to wear the shirt with the German eagle badge. If we put into practice what we work on in training, and perhaps play even a little better than against France, then I'm confident that we can win."