Race to the last four goes down to the wire
Sunday, July 20, 2014
Article summary
It is all to play for on the last day of the group stage at the Women's U19s, with all four semi-final spots still up for grabs in Norway and seven teams in contention.
Article top media content
Article body
Seven of the eight teams are still in contention going into the last round of group stage matches at the 2014 UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship, with all semi-final spots still up for grabs.
Group A: Scotland v Norway
The situation is relatively straightforward. If Scotland triumph they are through to their first semi-final; a draw or Norway win and the hosts are one step away from a dream date at the Ullevaal Stadium on 27 July. "It will be another tough game," admits Norway boss Jarl Torske, with Scotland having served further warning of their strength with a stirring recovery against the Netherlands last time out. "Hopefully the girls can do us proud again," says coach Gareth Evans.
Group A: Netherlands v Belgium
There is a way Scotland and Norway can both qualify, a situation that requires the Netherlands to lose by a bigger margin than Norway. Belgium are the only team already out following back-to-back losses, but captain Tinne Van Den Bergh insists they will be leaving Norway with three points. Vivianne Miedema is the biggest threat to those aspirations, having scored twice in her first 45 minutes at these finals against Scotland before being withdrawn as a precaution.
Group B: Spain v England
Like Belgium, England have suffered two defeats but they are not out of it yet – if they win by a two-goal margin and Ireland beat Sweden then the 2013 runners-up could go through. Spain are favourites, though, a 2-0 success against Sweden meaning they are guaranteed progress with a victory. "We need to understand how to play against England," coach Jorge Vilda warns. "They are a team who like to have the ball, compared to the Swedes, who preferred to sit off us."
Group B: Sweden v Republic of Ireland
Ireland have taken these finals by storm after beating Spain and England, and must wonder how they are not yet through to the last four. The permutations are almost endless but it is in Ireland's hands: a point will secure progress. Sweden, who need a two-goal win to advance without worrying about Spain v England, are optimistic, with coach Calle Barrling saying: "I know we will come back [from Friday's loss to Spain] – we always do after a defeat."
All matches kick-off at 19.00CET on Monday. Follow it all on UEFA.com, on Twitter using #WU19 and, if you are in and around Oslo, come along – under-18s get in for free.