France became UEFA U-19 champions for the fourth time, as Spain suffered a third consecutive final defeat.
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Les Bleuettes took a 1-0 lead into the interval after Théa Greboval’s deflected through ball sent Grace Geyoro clear to slot home but the developing thunderstorm then led to the huge delay before the second half could get underway. Ground staff worked using an array of equipment (snow shovels, brooms, rakes and blocks of wood) to try and clear the surface of standing water as the rain continued to fall. At one point it was suggested that even the fire brigade may be called in. UEFA (and both Federations, it must be said) were clearly determined for the game to go ahead, and they got their wish, though parts of the field were still soaked and stopped the ball dead or sent players skidding over.
Spain came out for the restart determined to prevent their third straight loss in this final. Skipper Nahikari García won a penalty for Spain on 53 minutes and took it herself but Mylène Chavas pushed it onto the post and the ricochet off the upright and her back, sent it wide of goal.
France’s lead was doubled 13 minutes later when Marie-Antoinette Katoto pounced on split second indecision by defender/goalkeeper as the ball slowed on the soggy turf and raced clear to turn the ball into an empty net.
Substitute Lucía García pulled a goal back with 6 minutes to go and Nahikari then missed a gilt-edged chance, in incredible and heart-breaking fashion, to level right at the end.
The Spanish players were inconsolable at the end while France celebrated an impressive double, emulating the men’s U-19s team who had won their Euro title in Germany last month.
Photo – fff.fr
