Slick Spain close in on finals berth
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Article summary
Spain are on the verge of a place at this summer's finals after securing a second 4-0 win in Group 5, leaving Italy and Scotland with only the slenderest of chances of overhauling them.
Article top media content
Article body
Spain are on the verge of a place at this summer's UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship finals after securing a second 4-0 win in Group 5.
Ángel Vilda's side swept aside Italy in their second qualifying round opener and this time it was section hosts Russia's turn, in a game postponed yesterday due to a waterlogged pitch. Two goals in six minutes from Amanda Sampedro midway through the first half did the damage, with Alexia Putellas and Nagore Calderón rounding off a win that leaves Spain needing a draw against Scotland on Thursday to seal progress.
Scotland retain slender hopes of advancing as group winners themselves, despite today's 4-2 defeat by Italy. Lisa Alborghetti and Katia Coppola struck two goals apiece for the Azzurrine, who face eliminated Russia in their final outing
The second qualifying round concludes on Thursday. Romania yesterday became the first of six group winners who will join hosts Turkey in the finals from 2 to 14 July. The runners-up with the best record against the teams first and third in their section also advance.
