Denmark deny Sweden

Denmark clinched a UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship semi-final place at the expense of their Scandinavian neighbours expense thanks to a goalless draw in Langenthal.

No breakthrough
Both Sweden's previous Group A matches against Germany and Belgium had finished level, meaning they needed victory to overtake the Danes this evening. Although they pushed hard, they were unable to make the breakthrough and Denmark now meet Group B winners France in the last four on Wednesday.

Last-minute injury
Sweden coach Calle Barrling had already opted to make three changes from the draw with Belgium; forward Lisa Dahlkvist made her debut in the finals while Michelle Lilja and Elin Sandgren also came in. Then in the warm-up Malin Levenstad was injured so Nina Engström replaced her at short notice. Denmark started with Kicki Nielsen and Mette Jensen, leaving prolific forward Louise Kristiansen and birthday girl Marie Bjerg on the bench.

Familiar opponents
The high stakes and the familiarity of the opponents made for a tight opening exchange, although Sweden were the more positive early on and Henritette Dahl often found herself isolated in the Denmark attack. Denmark coach Henrik Lehm was forced to curb his team's enthusiasm for long passes with the wind behind them, as Sweden captain Linda Sembrant was letting little get past her.

Öhrström stops
The first shot on target from either team was a speculative effort from Sandgren just before the half-hour that caused Denmark goalkeeper Cecilie Sørensen few problems. Her opposite number Stéphanie Öhrström then saved a Line Røddik header and dived to stop a strong Dahl shot. Indeed, Denmark ended the second half the stronger side though precocious 16-year-old Swedish winger Louise Fors did pose a threat.

Attacking changes
Sweden lacked a cutting edge so a half-time reshuffle saw Marie Krantz pushed forward and Josefin Johansson brought on in midfield. It almost brought immediate rewards as Dahlkvist broke through and rounded Sørensen but sliced her shot wide. On 55 minutes striker Emelia Erixon replaced Krantz while Denmark gave themselves new attacking options in Emma Madsen and Kristiansen, who went close from distance soon after coming on.

Final push
But it was Sweden who needed a goal, and as the 70-minute mark passed they began to push hard, and Fors came close as she turned an Erixon cross wide after a swift move. Striker Johanna Andersson then arrived as Sweden switched to 3-4-3 for the last quarter-hour but as so often for them in these finals they could not turn promising situations into goals.

Player of the match: Kicki Nielsen (Denmark)