Germany set the standard

The holders Germany made a strong start to the second qualifying round of the UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship on a day which also saw Denmark, Poland, Switzerland and England record impressive victories as five second qualifying round mini-tournaments began.

Group 1
Veronika Pincová converted a late penalty to earn the Czech Republic, who had seen an earlier spot-kick saved, a point in Neulengbach against Ukraine. Ironically, the opening goal, by Ukraine's Olga Boichenko in the seventh minute, was also a penalty. England top the section after defeating Austria 3-0 thanks to goals from Ellen White and Rebecca Hall (2). England meet Ukraine on Thursday, when Austria face the Czech Republic.

Group 3
The holders Germany could again be the side to beat after easing to a 4-1 victory against Sweden on home soil. Katharina Baunach, Isabel Kerschowski, Bianca Schmidt and Stephanie Goddard struck for the favourites before Ida Brännström scored late on for the Scandinavians, who will need to bounce back against Scotland on Thursday. The Scots were denied an opening victory against Hungary - Germany's next opponents - when Erika Szuh scored late on to make it 3-3.

Group 4
Semi-finalists in 2006, Denmark gave a sign of their intent this year with a 7-0 demolition of pool hosts Romania in Chiajna. Nanna Christiansen scored a second-half hat-trick, while Emma Madsen and Kicki Nielsen each found the net twice. Norway, who also qualified for last year's tournament in Switzerland, were held to a 0-0 draw by Belgium. They next meet Denmark on Thursday, when Norway face Romania.

Group 5
This section promises to go to the wire after favourites Finland and Russia drew their opening match 0-0 in Rhyl, while Poland proved too strong for Wales by easing to a 4-0 victory against the mini-tournament hosts in Flintshire. Russia were semi-finalists in the 2006 finals, having won the 2005 edition, and will expect maximum points when they meet Wales on Thursday. Poland tackle the Finns on the same day, before the pool concludes on Sunday.

Group 6
Italy drew 1-1 against 2004 winners Spain as Switzerland opened their campaign with a 5-0 win against Serbia to wrest early control of the group. Ramona Bachmann opened the scoring in the 24th minute before second-half strikes from Francesca Stillhard, Larissa Ziegler, Caroline Müller and Sandy Maendly completed the victory. Switzerland will be hoping to move on to six points against hosts Italy on Thursday, when Spain will be confident of beating Serbia.