Delie double bolsters Bleuettes

France prevented any repeat of their European Women's Under-19 Championship final defeat last year by Russia as two goals from Marie-Laure Delie ensured they began this season's finals with a win against the holders in Group B.

Delie double
Although this was not as emphatic as the 4-0 victory that France produced against Russia on the opening day 12 months ago, Les Bleuettes dominated for long periods. In the first 19 minutes Delie and Coton Pelagie had found the target. Elena Danilova pulled one back with a penalty she won herself, but Delie and Eugénie Le Sommer scored after the break.

French menace 
Six of Russia's starting lineup and five from France took part in the final last August. It was one of those veterans, Delie, who made the 12th-minute breakthough as she ran through the Russian defence and shot confidently from just inside the box, beyond the reach of 16-year-old goalkeeper Kristina Slashchinina. Elena Danilova, the top scorer in last season's finals, responded by forcing Véronique Pons's first save, but it was soon after that Coton Pelagie's cross from the left looped past Slashchinina and in. The scoreline was deserved as Delie, Coton Pelagie and Aurélie Mula had all been causing real menace.

Hope for Russia 
Svetlana Akimova was introduced by Russia coach Valentin Grishin in the 26th minute to provide a threat down the left, but Danilova was still the fulcrum of their swift counterattacks. Although she was, not for the first time, denied by Morgane Courteille on the half-hour, another such tackle by the French No5 was adjudged a foul in the box by Turkish referee Hilal Tuba Tosun. Danilova made no mistake from the spot.

Cushion restored 
Russia gained heart from scoring and the second half began as a more even affair. However in the 66th minute Jessica Hourara cut in from the left and switched the ball to Coton Pelegie on the other wing. After some neat footwork she sent in a perfect cross to the unmarked Delie, who buried the chance with little ceremony. That was even more impressive considering Mula was receiving treatment behind the goal and was soon replaced. Despite the sweltering conditions in Schaffhausen, Russia continued to try to make amends but France substitute Le Sommer had the last work as she struck in injury time. Russia must now bounce back against the hosts here on Thursday, while France play the Netherlands.

Player of the Match: Marie-Laure Delie (France)