Germany grateful for sister act

There is a hugely entertaining sibling rivalry between Isabel and Monique Kerschowski. The competitive 18-year-old German twins enjoy nothing better than trying to out-perform each other in the healthiest possible way.

Family pride
The two of them were at it again in Berne on Saturday. Isabel's pair of goals, and another from Monique, carried Germany to a deserved triumph in the final of the UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship against France. Chests will definitely be puffed out with pride in the Kerschowski family household for some time thanks to the two talented youngsters.

Welcome rain
Both teams would have been highly grateful for the burst of afternoon rain on the Swiss capital which had brought a breeze and a drop in the temperature after the heatwave that had persisted during the tournament. And, as expected with the European crown at stake, the early exchanges were cautious and confined to midfield. With five goals to her name in the finals, Marie-Laure Delie had proved a thorn in the side of every defence in the competition with her forceful front-running, and despite watchful German defenders covering her every move, she still found space to lash a fierce effort just over in the first meaningful attack from either side.

Splendid strike
German nerves were soon soothed, however, with a splendid first goal worthy of the occasion. Isabel Kerschowski's triumphant volley from Juliane Maier's knock-on at a corner came straight out of the coaching manual. France, cheered on by a vociferous contingent in the main stand, were behind for the first time in the tournament, and their mettle would now be severely tested.

Delie shackled
Germany – literally – posed a potent twin threat. Isabel Kerschowski's stealth and industry up front and Monique's penetration down the right gave France's rearguard constant cause for concern. In the spells when they went forward themselves, the French girls' neat combination play was impressive, with Jessica Houara particularly prominent, but Delie was getting little change from a no-nonsense German defence in her efforts to maintain her impressive scoring run.

Attacking switch
The interval gave France coach Stéphane Pilard the opportunity to try and turn things around and he duly introduced Hélène Plu up front in a bid to produce greater penetration. However, much would depend on whether Delie could free herself of the shackles imposed on her by the Germans. That hope soon looked totally forlorn. Isabel Kershowski had already been foiled twice in one-on-one situations by Véronique Pons. However, when the striker burst on to a through-ball, the young French goalkeeper made a fatal choice.

Composed finish
Pons raced 35 metres from her line to attempt the clearance, only for Isabel Kerschowski to keep her cool, round the French custodian and roll the ball slowly and deliberately into the unguarded goal. Germany had one hand on the trophy, while France, fighting hard but outgunned, were now confronted with a virtually impossible task.

Clinching third
A similar situation almost brought Isabel Kerchowski a hat-trick when she rounded Pons again only for her shot to come back off the post as France, desperately seeking salvation at the other end, left themselves exposed at the back. Then, having seen her sister grab the headlines until now, Monique decided it was her turn. A jink into the area, a fierce and unstoppable drive, and family pride knew no bounds. German jubilation on the final whistle, on the field and in the stands, was unconfined.