Pele keeps France in contention

France can still reach the semi-finals of the UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship after substitute Gwenaëlle Pele rescued a 1-1 draw against Russia with the holders seconds away from a shock elimination.

Unexpected lifeline
The French trailed to Elena Terekhova's 40th-minute goal going into added time, which was three minutes old when they were thrown an unexpected lifeline. Russia goalkeeper Elvira Todua was penalised for holding on to the ball for too long, giving France an indirect free-kick that led to Pele's dramatic leveller. The dejected Russians fell to the floor as one, although they still have a slender chance of advancing when the section concludes on Monday.

One Russian change
Bruno Bini, whose side have reached the last two finals after needing to win their final group match to advance to the knockout stages, reacted to France's opening 2-0 loss to Norway on Wednesday by bringing in Sabrina Delannoy and Jessica Houara for Nathalie Jarosz and Pele. Valentin Grishin, meanwhile, gave ten of the players who started the 5-1 loss to Italy an opportunity to redeem themselves, his only change seeing Olga Petrova replace Elena Danilova.

Defence untroubled
That proved to be a shrewd tactic as Russia took about their task with considerably more gusto, particularly the defence which was unruffled as France forced the early pace. The holders had played some impressive one-touch football at pace against Norway and they continued that trend at the Kauriala Urheilukenttä. As on Wednesday, however, moves which promised much faltered as they entered the business end of the Russian half.

Shock lead
Russia's endeavour paid off when they took a shock lead five minutes from half-time, with Terekhova prodding the ball in after France goalkeeper Sarah Bouhaddi had parried a save into her path. With Norway and Italy drawing 0-0 earlier in the day, Grishin's revitalised team were in position to close within a point of the opening-day victors.

Mouthwatering finale
France upped the tempo as they went in search of an equaliser, yet Russia stood firm. Just when they looked like holding on for a first victory in a finals tournament, however, Pele popped up to drill in the loose ball following Todua's indiscretion and revitalise France's campaign. Italy are now likely to face an altogether more confident side when they tackle the holders in a mouthwatering finale on Monday, while all Russia can do is hope.

Most Valuable Player: Elisa Bussaglia (France)
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