Netherlands first in Faroe Islands

There was a new venue for the 2025 UEFA European Women's Under-17 Championship as the Faroe Islands hosted their first UEFA final tournament, and a fresh winner as the Netherlands defeated maiden finalists Norway 2-1 in the decider.

While the Faroes were making their debut in a UEFA women's final tournament, Spain qualified for a record 14th time as Germany, who previously shared the record with 13 appearances, were pipped by Austria in qualifying. However, for the first time since 2011/12 (before the introduction of the group stage), Spain were to miss out on the semi-finals as in their Group B opener they were held 1-1 by France, beat Poland 3-1 but then lost 2-1 to Italy, with two goals by Giulia Galli and a tremendous display from keeper Matilde Robbioni.

Italy had begun with a thrilling 4-3 victory against Poland, who almost overturned a three-goal half-time deficit, and like Spain drew 1-1 with France, with France in both those games equalising through Rachael Adedini, who had also got four goals in the 2024 finals aged 14. France defeated Poland 3-1 on Matchday 3 to go through behind Italy.

The Netherlands were to dominate Group A, sealing first place with a game to spare as they beat Austria 4-1 and Norway 2-0, celebrating by defeating the Faroe Islands 9-0 on Matchday 3. The hosts had already lost 10-0 to Norway and 9-0 to Austria, two sides who then met for the other semi-final spot. A 0-0 draw took Norway through on goal difference.

With the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup turning into an annual 24-team event, the two third-place finishers played off for the right to join the four semi-finalists in Morocco. Spain defeated Austria 6-1 to earn their place.

That began semi-final day, and the last four started with the Netherlands scoring early through Liv Pennock against France, the only remaining former winners, only for substitute Lou Ruffien to equalise with seven minutes to go and force a penalty shoot-out. Maren Groothoff, who had a superb game in goal for the Netherlands, saved twice to seal a 4-3 spot-kicks success.

Norway were the only semi-finalists to have lost in the group stage, but were also the sole team to win all six games in qualifying and they began against Italy in superb fashion, deservedly leading 2-0 at the break through Christina Herseth and an own goal. Rachele Giudici pulled one back early in the second half but Marie Preus' solo goal late on secured a 3-1 victory.

The Netherlands were the one to make a fast start in the final, Tess van der Vliet striking on four minutes and Ranneke Derks adding another just before the break. Preus pulled one back in the 56th minute, her finals-leading fifth goal in the Faroe Islands, one ahead of Player of the Tournament Derks, but the Netherlands held on for a 2-1 victory and the title.