France hold off Spain for first Women's U17 EURO title

The 2021/22 UEFA European Women's Under-17 Championship saw Spain, inspired by Vicky López, somehow denied the title by Germany. Twelve months on the story was the same, only with France rather than Germany lifting the trophy in Tallinn.

Spain, who had followed their 2022 EURO near miss by winning the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in India, had never failed to get past the group stage since the round was introduced in 2013/14 and 2023 proved no exception. They opened as Vicky's double – the first goal after 50 seconds – earned a 2-0 win in a 2022 final rematch against Germany, and they then beat Switzerland 3-0 before a 6-0 victory against Estonia, hosting and playing in a UEFA women's final tournament for the first time.

Estonia had already lost to Switzerland and Germany, who now met for second place in the group. Germany were to fall in a U17 World Cup or EURO group for the first time, and see their run of six straight final appearances ended, as Switzerland won 2-1.

France and England came through Group B, both beating Sweden and Poland in their opening games. A 1-1 draw with England gave France first place on goal difference, avoiding Spain in the semis.

In that round France were in record-breaking mood as they beat Switzerland 10-2, Maeline Mendy scoring a hat-trick. Spain, equalling Germany's record of 12 semi-finals from 14 editions, needed two goals in the last few minutes to beat England 3-1.

Spain were now in their tenth final, one ahead of Germany, and favourites to make it five titles. France, who had lost their three previous finals, had other ideas.

It was still goalless on 64 minutes when Liana Joseph put France ahead, and she added another within ten minutes. When Mendy converted a penalty shortly afterwards the game seemed won, but two spectacular Vicky goals within seconds set up the tensest of finishes.

France held on after a late Aïcha red card to join Germany, Spain and Poland on the roll of honour. Vicky was named player of the tournament and was joint top scorer on five goals with Spain's final nemeses Joseph and Mendy.