The UEFA Women’s Under-19 Championship knockout stage commences tomorrow, as Germany take on the Netherlands and Spain face France.

All four sides will be confident heading into their semi-final encounters. They’ve won a combined 12 Women’s Under-19 Championship’s between them, with Spain looking to win their third title in a row this summer.

The final will take place at St. Mirren Park on Sunday. Sunday’s game could see a repeat of last year’s final, when Spain beat Germany 1-0.

UEFA Women’s Under-19 Championship
Germany vs Netherlands
Thursday, 25 July 2019, 4pm kick-off
Firhill Stadium

The first semi-final of this summer’s UEFA Women’s Under-19 Championship will be contested between Germany and the Netherlands.

Both sides go into the fixture full of confidence. Germany finished above the holders Spain to win Group B, whilst the Netherlands put four past Scotland on matchday three, securing their passage through the group stage.

Germany finished runners up in last summer’s Women’s Under-19 Championship, losing 1-0 to Spain in the final. A 0-0 draw with last year’s victors in the group stage will give them hope that they can come out on top this time round if the two sides meet again on Sunday.

Top scorers in the tournament so far after scoring ten goals in the group stage, the Dutch will back themselves to have the ability to outscore any opponent.

Three of their four goals against Scotland were scored by defenders, showcasing that they have goals from all positions.

The two sides met in the group stage of last year’s Women’s Under-19 Championship, the Netherlands were 1-0 victors on that day.

Players to watch

Lynn Wilms scored the opener for the Netherlands against Scotland and was influential throughout the match. Her ability to drive forward and link up with Leuchter on the right flank is key to her sides attacking play.

Attacking midfielder Melissa Koster scored in both of Germany’s opening matches, including a stunning strike from distance against Belgium on matchday two. Her performance will be vital against a strong Netherlands midfield, which boasts goalscoring prowess in the form of Kirtsen Van de Westeringh.

UEFA Women’s Under-19 Championship
Spain vs France
Thursday, 25 July 2019, 7.30PM kick-off
St. Mirren Park

The later game on Thursday will see UEFA Women’s Under-19 Championship holders Spain take on four-time champions France.

Spain were strong favourites coming into this summer’s tournament after their impressive campaign last summer. However, they’ve struggled to recapture the form that won them the championship last year, finishing second in their group whilst only scoring three goals.

France will be wary of their opposition’s undoubted quality but will be confident of their chances of progressing to the final. They beat hosts Scotland 2-1 on matchday one, scoring a last-minute winner to take all three points. A 3-1 victory over the Netherlands was followed by an entertaining 3-3 draw with Norway, a result which meant France finished top of Group A.

A 0-0 draw against Germany on matchday three meant Spain finished runners up in their group, after previously beating Belgium and England. The Spanish will look to use their experience from previous years in the game against France. They’ve reached the final every year since 2014, winning in 2017 and 2018.

The two sides drew 0-0 when they last met in October, in the UEFA Women’s Under-19
preparatory tournament.

Players to watch

Melvine Malard looked impressive throughout France’s group games. The French number nine scored two late goals in their 3-1 victory over the Netherlands and was also on target in their draw with Norway. The Olympique Lyon forward’s link up play with Sandy Baltimore is a partnership to watch.

Spain’s Claudia Pina was crowned player of the tournament in their FIFA Women’s Under-17 World Cup victory. Pina has been prolific at all youth levels for Spain, scoring a remarkable 16 goals for their Under-17 side in 2017. The striker’s performance against France will undoubtedly be a key factor in Spain’s attempts to progress to the final.

Tickets

Tickets can be purchased HERE for any remaining match in the UEFA Women’s Under-19 Championship, tickets can also be purchased at the gate. Prices start at just £2 for adults and £1 for concessions.

Sensory Bags

A limited number of sensory toy bags will be available on loan at each of the match venues. Sensory toys are for children who can experience sensory overload conditions such as autism; we hope these bags will enhance the experience of families attending the matches.

To find out about how you can collect a bag, contact points at the four venues are outlined below:

St. Mirren: tickets@stmirren.com
Partick Thistle: beth.adamson@ptfc.co.uk
St. Johnstone: BeverleyMayer@PerthSaints.co.uk
Stirling Albion: office@stirlingalbionfc.co.uk