Open tournament in prospect

The draw for the 3rd UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship took place today, with the hosts Finland drawn in Group A alongside Germany, Spain and Switzerland. The holders France are in Group B with Norway, Italy and Russia.

Sami Terävä from the Finnish Football Association caught up with representatives from the competing teams to canvass their views on the draw.

Group A
I want to welcome all the teams to Finland. Any group would have been difficult for us. The match against Germany is a worthy opener. Hopefully we will do better than in March (when Finland lost 6-0). Finland coach Jarmo Matikainen

There are no easy groups in final tournaments. Finland have developed well and shown plenty of progress. Germany general manager Pia Hess

It's great to be in the European Championship with all the top teams. Spanish Football Association representative Maria Greil

We've played Germany before in a friendly so I was pleased to be drawn against them - they're an excellent opponent. Finland cannot be underestimated as they beat us 6-0 last year in Espoo. Switzerland coach Béatrice Von Siebenthal

Group B
We're in a tough group but we're hoping to make it all the way to the final. France coach Bruno Bini

Our group contains teams of a high standard. All the matches will be good games as there's been an improvement in women's football. I'm expecting an exciting tournament, it's great to be involved again. Norway coach Jarl Torske

It was exciting as we were the last team to be drawn from the first pot. Women's football has been growing in Italy and the level has improved steadily. Italy coach Gozzer Piergiorgio