Finalists eye glory in Finland

By Kevin Ashby in Helsinki

Spain have the unenviable task of trying to stop a German juggernaut which shows no sign of slowing when they meet in the final of the UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship at the Pohjola Stadion in Vantaa on Sunday.

'More confident'
Germany have been electric in Finland, setting records aplenty in brushing aside all before them. Silvia Neid's team had already beaten Finland and Switzerland 4-0 before putting seven past Spain without reply to win Group A. One record victory was rapidly followed by another, as ten-player Russia collapsed late on to lose 8-0 in Hämeenlinna. "We're getting more confident in ourselves as each game passes," was the coach's verdict on a stunning display.
 
Mittag on top
As if they did not already know, a glimpse at the goalscorers' leaderboard gives Spain an indication of what they will face. Anja Mittag heads it with six, while Germany winger Simone Laudehr has scored four goals in as many games and Lena Goessling, Katharina Griessemer and captain Annike Krahn - a central defender - have all hit the target three times. Spain's four entrants are all on two goals, including Miriam who scored the only goal of the semi-final victory against Italy.

Tactical triumph
Ignacio Quereda's side were in command for much of their game against the Azzurrine, showing no ill-effects from their demoralising thrashing by Germany. Over half the team was different, though, as the Spain coach brought back six players rested for their final group game with a place in the last four already assured. "We played with a very good level of self-confidence and we also got our tactics spot on," said Quereda after eliminating Italy.

'Snow from yesterday'
Neither coach thinks Germany's overwhelming success against Spain will have any bearing on what unfolds in Vantaa. "In Germany we say such things are 'like snow from yesterday'," said Neid. "I'm sure that we'll be playing a very different Spanish team - we'll start at zero. My players understand that as well and they know they'll have to be prepared."

Team spirit
The coach praised the way her charges have gelled in Finland, both on and off the pitch where new friendships have been formed. "They were really into the competition from the start, concentrating when they had to," Neid said. "When we analyse games they're also keen to learn and develop. The players have fun as a team when they are not playing or in training which helps to create a good spirit."

Proud record
Like their male counterparts, Germany's women players have a proud record of success at all levels. The inaugural UEFA Women's Cup was won by 1. FFC Frankfurt in 2002 and the national team won last year's FIFA Women's World Cup in Los Angeles. Their squad which will travel to the Olympics in Athens contains five players to have won this tournament - including defender Sarah Günther who played in all three of Germany's triumphs.

Final hurdle
The competition was an U18 event for the first victories in 2000 and 2001, but Germany proved equally powerful when it switched to an U19 event in 2002. Spain were the losing finalists four years ago, going down 4-2 in Boulogne, and will have to be at their best if they are to avoid falling at the final hurdle once again. Both teams are at full strength for a match which promises to be played in glorious sunshine. The scene is set.