Spain stroll to semi-final spot

By Kevin Ashby at the Kauniainen Sport Park

Spain defeated Finland 4-0 to secure a place in the semi-finals and leave the host nation with just pride to play for in their remaining UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship fixture.

Stunning free-kick
A captain's performance from Iraia ensured maximum points for a Spanish side which had beaten Switzerland 3-1 in their opening game. The left-winger opened the scoring with a stunning 29th-minute free-kick and added a second from close range soon after the restart. Jade had taken her tournament tally to two in between and substitute Irune did likewise with virtually the last touch of a slick performance.

Team changes
Irune, Natalia and goalkeeper Lucia dropped to the bench after starting Wednesday's opener - Nuria, Julia and Maria coming in. Finland coach Jarmo Matikainen made two changes to the team overpowered by Germany, Kiia Laine and Essi Sainio replacing Tea Korkeakunnas and Laura Hyvönen.

Early touch
Maria got an early touch after a curled ball over the Spanish defence by Finland captain Nelli Berg threatened to find Annica Sjölund in space. Jade was the first to go close for Spain, although she could not direct a header into the top corner following fine approach play from Miriam and Iraia.

Stinging shot
Veronica excelled in the hole between the Spanish midfield and attack, and in the 13th minute burst forward to drive a stinging shot just over. The same player was then at the heart of a move which almost brought the opening goal six minutes later, slipping in Jade who could only drive a powerful shot against Minna Meriluoto's crossbar.

Lucky escapes
The Finland goal led a charmed life as Veronica's drive cannoned off the post and Iraia's shot on the turn whistled wide. The hosts' luck finally ran out in the 29th minute, Iraia sending a right-footed free-kick from the vicinity of the corner flag into the top corner. Veronica then sent another fierce narrowly over before Spain scored the all-important second goal in the 43rd minute.

Important second
After Peppiina Pentti had fail to control a pass on the edge of her area, Jade stole in, played a one-two with Veronica and slotted the ball into the corner from seven metres. Veronica was also involved in the third, Meriluoto pushing her close-range shot into the path of the on-rushing Iraia who could not miss.

Finland chances
Matikainen pushed Pentti up front in attempt to utilise her size, a tactic which almost brought Finland's first goal of the finals. After the defender-cum-striker had been felled, Berg swung in a free-kick which Maria tipped over at full stretch. A series of Maija Saari corners then troubled the Spain keeper, one hitting the bar, before the last defender turned a goalbound Sainio shot wide with Maria beaten.

Germany next
Spain were not so profligate, Irune marking her nine-minute cameo with a close-range finish to further boost confidence ahead of Monday's Group A decider against Germany.

Most Valuable Player: Iraia (Spain)
Attendance: 850