Familiar look to last four
Monday, July 17, 2006
Article summary
Wednesday's semi-final lineup has a familiar look with Germany facing the holders Russia for the third year running and France playing Denmark.
Article body
The UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship semi-final lineup has been confirmed after last night's concluding set of group matches.
Rivals rematched
For the third year running Germany, who won Group A after defeating Belgium 4-0, will take on Russia whose 5-1 success against the Netherlands ensured the holders held off hosts Switzerland for second place in Group B. Two years ago Germany defeated Russia 8-0 before losing the final to Spain, and last season the Russians exacted revenge by winning their semi-final in Hungary 3-1 en route to the title. The match will take place on Wednesday at 18.00CET at Berne's Neufeld stadium, and will be shown live on Eurosport, who will also televise Saturday's final at the same venue.
France meet Denmark
Starting at 19.00 in Solothurn, France - a year on from meeting Finland at this stage - meet Denmark. France, beaten finalists 12 months ago, ensured top spot in Group B with a 3-0 win against the Swiss, while a 0-0 scoreline meant Denmark pipped unbeaten Sweden to the Group A runners-up spot. Denmark beat France in the first U18 final in 1998, but Les Bleuettes evened things up four years later in the last-four stage of the inaugural U19 event.
