Survival and semi-final spots at stake in Norway
Thursday, July 17, 2014
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It is sink or swim, with Norway v Belgium, Netherlands v Scotland, England v Republic of Ireland and a repeat of the 2012 final between Sweden and Spain.
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All eight teams are in action again on the second matchday at the 2014 UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship, with survival and semi-final spots at stake.
Group A: Norway v Belgium
Belgium coach Kristiaan Van Der Haegen is steeling his side for their "last chance" as they take on Norway. Given they lost 2-0 to Scotland on the opening day, this would be the perfect time for Red Flames to record a first ever final tournament win at the eighth time of asking. Yet buoyed by their home crowd Norway, who began their campaign with a 0-0 draw with the Netherlands, will provide stiff opposition. "A draw and it's still in our hands but we want to win," said coach Jarl Torske.
Group A: Netherlands v Scotland
Scotland picked up a solitary point in three previous final tournaments but after registering their maiden victory against Belgium they approach this game in the privileged position of knowing a win will send them through. "We know this will be a very, very tough game, we're under no illusions," said coach Gareth Evans. "But if we can get the same commitment and desire from the girls we will have a chance." The Netherlands hope to have key striker Vivianne Miedema back after a groin injury.
Group B: England v Republic of Ireland
England have won both previous meetings between these sides in this competition 3-0, but this will be a very different proposition – more like March's 1-1 draw at La Manga. Ireland marked their finals debut with a memorable success over Spain on Tuesday and a youthful England team are now firmly in their sights. "Playing against England always puts an extra spring in our steps," said coach David Connell. "We are not underestimating anybody but we are confident about ourselves." No one is underestimating Ireland now either.
Group B: Sweden v Spain
A must-win match for Jorge Vilda's charges as they seek to bounce back from their first-day defeat but Sweden, who finished strongly to beat England 2-0, will not be easy opponents. It is evolution, not revolution, for Spain who were punished for errors against Ireland and struggled to break through a resolute rearguard. "I remain positive," said Vilda, though counterpart Calle Barrling would no doubt echo that sentiment: the last time he faced Spain – then coached by Vilda's father Ángel – in this competition, in 2012, he lifted the trophy.
All matches kick-off at 19.00CET on Friday. Follow the latest on UEFA.com or on Twitter using #WU19