France 2 Germany 1 /Les Bleus win European Under-19 title
France won a fifth European Women’s Under-19 title, and denied Germany a record seventh, when they edged a fiercely contested final at St Mirren Park. The Germans spent most of the second half on the front foot, but a goal by Maelle Lakrar 18 minutes from time undid all their attacking intent.
The game, in front of 1,135 fans in Paisley, was a highquality and entertaining affair, with neither nation deserving to lose. It would have gone to extra-time had the French goalkeeper, Justine Lerond, not made a brave save to deny the Germans in the fourth minute of time added on.
France missed a fantastic chance to take the lead in the opening minute when Naomie Feller set up Sandy Baltimore. The Paris Saintgermain forward, who scored in the 2-1 group win over Scotland, missed the target from ten yards but was to do better later. Having almost gone behind, Germany took the lead in six minutes. Melissa Kossler struck the post with a powerful shot, and Nicole Anyomi was on hand to find the net.
It briefly looked as if the Germans woul take full command but after losing possession in their final third the ball was slipped to Baltimore who picked her spot to fire past Wiebke Willebrandt.
The two best chances in the next half-hour fell to Germany. Lerond made a terrific save from Gina-maria Chmielinski, and near the end of the half Anyomi should have scored but hit the post.
The Germans dominated much of the second half, but lost a fatal second goal 18 minutes from time. A rare French raid brought a corner on the left, delivered by Julie Dufour, and central defender Lakrar, who had assumed the captaincy earlier in the half, forced the ball home.