Vilda targets semi-final berth with Spain

Spain coach Jorge Vilda has set his sights on a semi-final berth and tipped Germany as the team to beat at next week's UEFA European Women's Under-17 Championship.

Despite emerging from elite round Group 1 with minimum fuss, Vilda told UEFA.com that his team were not yet at the peak of their powers. That moment, the 32-year-old revealed, would most likely come in the English midlands when Spain take their place in an uncompromising section containing world champions France, three-time winners Germany and Scotland.

UEFA.com: What was your reaction to the draw?

Jorge Vilda: We've got a difficult group. Germany, France and Scotland are all great teams. We're highly motivated because you have to face great teams in competitions like this sooner rather than later.

UEFA.com: Is it fair to say that Germany are favourites for the group?

Vilda: Germany are always favourites in every tournament, every age category from the Under-17's to the seniors, simply because of their history and the trophies they've won. They are clear favourites to win the title. Saying that, every team at this level is improving each year.

UEFA.com: What are your tournament ambitions?

Vilda: The first objective is to reach the semi-finals. We must also finish in the top three to guarantee a place at the World Cup.

UEFA.com: What condition is your team in?

Vilda: November is a good month for us, better than September. We weren't in peak condition during the elite round, which came a little early for us. Our domestic league started around the same time, so I expect to be in better shape for the final tournament.

UEFA.com: Do you have any experience of playing teams in your group?

Vilda: We played Germany at home two years ago and lost 3-2. We played against France in the second phase of the previous tournament and drew. We haven't faced Scotland recently – that's our second game, so we'll learn all about them then.

UEFA.com: What do you think about the facilities here?

Vilda: It's the perfect venue for a tournament like this, in terms of the training facilities, hotel and surrounding location. It's fantastic.