Germany secure semi-final spot

Germany are through to the semi-finals of the UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship after overcoming Norway in Reykjavik thanks to goals either side of half-time from Stephanie Goddard and Nadine Kessler.

Progress
This impressive victory over a Norway team who had beaten Iceland 5-0 in their opening fixture means the defending champions are guaranteed a place in the last four, Denmark having edged out hosts Iceland in the evening game. It also ensured Germany's ticket to the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup.

Norwegian threat
It was a sluggish start by Maren Meinert's side with the pace of Norway forward Ida Elise Enget a threat in the early exchanges. With six minutes played, Norway winger Ingvild Isaksen escaped the clutches of her marker Katharina Baunach down the right. Her pinpoint cross found Isabell Herlovsen's darting run from midfield but she sent a header just wide of goal. Norway's bright opening continued on 14 minutes when Caroline Walde's incisive ball released Enget. The striker kept her composure yet her goalbound effort was spectacularly clawed away by Germany keeper Alisa Vetterlein.

Deadlock broken
Germany finally made their mark after 21 minutes when Monique Kerschowski let fly an effort from 25 metres that fizzed narrowly over the bar. That seemed to inspire the title-holders and they eased in front with a well-taken goal from Goddard. Monique Kerschowski engineered the opportunity, skipping past two challenges before feeding Goddard who turned and slotted the ball beyond the despairing dive of Runa Barli.

Doubling up
Germany stepped up a gear in the second half as Norwegian legs began to tire. They had a number of chances to double their lead before Kessler finally sealed the victory, capitalising on a deflection off Gunhild Herregården to finish clinically from close range, giving Barli no chance. This result puts Germany top of Group A, three points above Jarl Torske's charges going into Monday's final round of matches.