Delie delivers France to final

By Kevin Ashby at ZTE stadium

Marie-Laure Delie came off the bench to score the only goal as France defeated Finland to reach the final of the 2005 UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship.

Volleyed winner
With both semi-finals being played at the same stadium in Zalaegerszeg, the French arrived early to see Russia putting the finishing touches to their 3-1 victory against Germany. The second game failed to reach the heights of the opening encounter, although Delie did enliven proceedings when she came on shortly before the hour, creating a couple of chances before volleying in a fine 74th-minute winner.

Changes
With France virtually assured of a place in the semi-finals prior to Monday's concluding Group B game against England, coach Stéphane Pilard rested five players for the 1-1 draw. Four of them returned here, including Marie-Pierre Castera to partner Elodie Thomis in attack. Finland's two changes to the team beaten 3-1 by Germany were both attacking, Essi Sainio returning on the left wing and four-goal Linda Sällström earning a first start in attack.

Sweeping move
The 17-year-old scored a second-half hat-trick against Switzerland on Matchday 1 and was showing France what the hype was about in the second minute, raiding down the left to win a corner. Elina Sormunen took it to Tuija Hyyrynen whose header deflected just wide. France took 15 minutes to threaten Tinja-Riikka Korpela's goal, Julie Peruzzetto ending a sweeping move involving Louisa Necib and Jessica Houara with a first-time shot gathered well by the goalkeeper.

Playmaker Necib
The Scandinavians were content to leave Sällström alone in attack, supplementing the midfield in an attempt to nullify Necib, the French playmaker who ended the half with a fine run and shot straight at Korpela. There was a much more open start to the second period, with Finland midfielder Neea Berg arrowing a shot just wide before immediately conceding a free-kick in a dangerous position at the other end.

Attacking switch
Laure Boulleau ran over the ball, leaving Peruzzetto to touch the set-piece to Necib whose brilliant shot drew a save of equal merit. First-half substitute Morgan Couteille went similarly close to heading in the resulting corner as her effort was hacked off the line. Pilard's second change would ultimately decide the destiny of this match as he brought on Delie for Castera in the 58th minute.

Cameo
With virtually her first touch she released Thomis and the striker shot low and hard against the base of the post, and from the next attack the replacement teed up Peruzzetto for a shot which Korpela bravely blocked after racing off her line and diving low. Delie finally broke the deadlock with a solo strike and had a chance to complete an eye-catching cameo with four minutes remaining only to head Houra's cross over.

World Cup
Still, one goal was enough and while France can look forward to their decider against Russia, Finland can look back on a fine campaign which saw them qualify for the 2006 FIFA U-20 Women's World Championship.