Spain marvel at Miriam strike

By Kevin Ashby at the Kauriala Urheilukenttä

Miriam scored the only goal of the first semi-final as extra time loomed to seal Spain a place in Sunday's final and end Italy's hopes of winning the UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship for the first time.

Ricco return
Neither side showed any ill-effects from their dramatic defeats on Monday, with Spain coach Ignacio Quereda recalling the six players rested for the 7-0 loss to Germany, their opponents in Sunday's showpiece. Italy's Elisabetta Bavagnoli was again able to field her first-choice strike partnership as Agnese Ricco returned from suspension to play alongside Serena Coppolino. Evelyn Vicchiarello made way.

Hectic opening
Spain had the better of a hectic opening spell before Italy registered their first shot in the tenth minute, Rafaella Manieri sending a 25-metre free-kick over the bar. Their second, moments later, was within centimetres of opening the scoring as Anna Bincoletto's low shot just missed the post after Ricco's persistence provoked mild panic in the Spanish box.

Impressive wingers
The Azzurrine again went close in the 28th minute after right-back Ane played a loose back-pass which caught her defence unawares. Coppolino was alive to the threat and teed up Ricco who fizzed a powerful shot wide from the edge of the area. At the other end, important challenges from Alia Guagni denied Miriam and Veronica in quick succession.

Chances rare
Clear openings were rare as both sides played attractively without finding the decisive pass. Ricco's failure to play in Coppolino, who had timed a run behind the Spanish defence perfectly, after robbing Miriam as half-time approached typified a frustrating opening 45 minutes.

Marchitelli saves
Captain Iraia shot the first two chances of the second period straight at Chiaria Marchitelli, while Spain's other industrious winger, Natalia, drilled a low chance wide from a narrow angle in the 57th minute following typical clever play from Veronica. Two minutes later Natalia had the Italy goalkeeper scrambling across her goal to push another low effort behind.

Hit the bar
The first save worthy of the name was followed by the second in the 68th minute, as Marchitelli prevented Veronica from capping a fine solo run and one-two with Jade with the opener. In between, Ricco had headed Manieri's free-kick against the Spain crossbar from an offside position.

Brilliant play
Spain's pressure resulted in a number of corners yet it was only in the 73rd minute that they threatened from one as Ruth's header was cleared off the line by Arianna Marchesi, the defender guarding the left-hand post. Brilliant play from Riboldi down the left ten minutes on saw her shrug off two Spanish players and end a 50-metre run with a pass to Ricco who wriggled free but shot at Maria.

Deserved winner
It proved to be Italy's final opening as Spain sealed victory in the 88th minute. Jade's skill and endeavour won a corner down the right-hand side which substitute Ana Maria swung to the far post where Miriam was able to take a touch before firing past Marchitelli from close range. It was no less than Spain deserved.

Most Valuable Player: Miriam (Spain)
Attendance: 490