Germany profit from Wich craft

These are exciting times for Jessica Wich. Having helped 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam clinch the German title last month, the striker is now starring for her country at the UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship in Belarus. To cap it off, after scoring both goals in Germany's 2-1 triumph over France on Monday, she had a birthday to celebrate the next day.

French test
There was no wild party, however, as Wich and her team-mates focused on recuperating from the energy-sapping tussle with France. "The opening game is often the hardest one," the 19-year-old told uefa.com. "We weren't very sure of ourselves at the start, but we fought hard to get into the match and ended up with the three points, which is the most important thing. But it was a tough test for the whole team."

Clinical double
An upset looked on the cards when the five-time champions fell behind early on, Solène Barbance scoring with the first shot of the contest, but Germany eventually stirred, turning the game around with Wich's clinical double, scored in the space of 60 first-half seconds. "The first goal came as a bit of a surprise but it was very important," explained Wich, who had previously netted just two goals in 13 matches. "Then to score again just a few seconds later really liberated the team, and it was an amazing feeling for me. I'd never had much luck in front of goal for the national team before Monday, but I'd been doing well in training and felt really good before the game. Hopefully my form can continue."

More responsibility
Statistics can be misleading. If Wich's strike-rate had been poor until now, her role in the side has changed dramatically over the past 12 months. "I spent a lot of time on the bench at last year's finals in France," said the diminutive forward, a used substitute in the last-four defeat by Norway in 2008. "This year I have much more responsibility because I'm a regular starter and one of the older players. It was disappointing to lose in the semis in France but I want to use that experience to ensure Germany do better here."

Wich warning
Maren Meinart's side appear likely to reach the last four having already seen off a team touted as their likely opponents in the 25 July final. Wich, though, was quick to issue a word of warning, saying: "On paper France are perhaps our most difficult opponent, but it won't be any easier against Switzerland and Belarus. When we play the Swiss [on Thursday] we'll need to be as focused as we were against France. They're a very good attacking side so it'll be up to us to defend well." With Wich in the form of her life, the Swiss defence is likely to be occupied too.