Spain retain trophy for fifth Under-19 EURO title

Spain came out on top in a tight final in Leuven by beating a resilient Germany side on penalties to win the 2023 UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship.

Sonia Bermúdez's charges had to "overcome a lot of obstacles", but the title holders claimed their fifth trophy overall to add to their previous successes in 2004, 2017, 2018 and 2022.

Kathrin Peter's Germany dismantled Austria 6-0 in the Group A tournament opener at RBFA Academy Stadium in Tubize, while hosts Belgium's campaign began with a 3-0 loss to the Netherlands at Den Dreef Stadium.

In Group B, Érika, Fiamma and Carla Camacho were on target as Spain started with a commanding 3-0 victory over Iceland at Leburton Stadium. France were gifted a victory against Czechia as an own goal gave Sandrine Ringler's side a narrow opening win.

Goals from Mara Alber and Franziska Kett put Germany on six points in Group A as they won a feisty encounter with Belgium. Over in Tubize, Mariella El Sherif's goalkeeping masterclass ensured Austria saw off the Netherlands. "We had a little bit of luck, but we gave everything we had," said Austria coach Johannes Spilka as his team remained in contention for the semi-finals.

Vigdís Kristjánsdóttir's header kept Iceland's hopes alive as they downed Czechia, while France got the better of Spain with strikes from Airine Fontaine and Louna Ribadeira sealing their win in Group B.

With all four teams still able to qualify from Group A, a dramatic final matchday ensued. Roos Kwakkenbos' Netherlands snatched top spot by beating Germany, who finished runners-up. Despite a thrilling 3-3 draw, both Belgium and Austria bowed out.

France beat Iceland 3-1 to earn maximum points and win Group B, however, despite their perfect campaign, "it could have been even better if we hadn't conceded a goal," rued Ringler. To complete the semi-final line-up, Spain dominated Czechia 7-0 to finish in second place, as Iceland and Czechia's campaigns were brought to an end.

"I was confident that I'd save it," said goalkeeper Txell Font following her 85th-minute penalty save, which sealed Spain's 1-0 semi-final win against the Netherlands. Júlia Bartel's early close-range finish saw Bermúdez's team through at Leburton Stadium.

In the second semi-final, Player of the Tournament Ribadeira struck twice in quick succession to give France a 2-0 half-time advantage over Germany at RBFA Academy Stadium. However, Jella Veit's powerful strike kick-started Germany's comeback before Paulina Platner's late equaliser sent the game into extra time.

An intense contest continued, and in the 115th minute Kett broke free to complete the turnaround and seal Germany's place in the final.

In a close final at at Den Dreef Stadium in Leuven, both sides enjoyed spells of pressure. Spain attempted to dictate play with their possession-based game plan, while a sharp Germany side awaited opportunities to break on the counter.

Lucía Corrales' effort deflected off the post in the game's best chance, but it remained goalless in 90 minutes and then extra time.

A penalty shoot-out was required to determine the champions. The deciding kick fell on Germany forward Pauline Deutsch, who dragged her team's fifth effort wide as Spain captured their fifth Women's U19 EURO title.