I had hoped to already be living in South Wales by the time the UEFA U-19 Women’s Championship began but defeated by the slow housing market, I opted to at least visit for the latter stages.
Staying with friends near Swansea was too convenient an option to neglect and the journey to the Germany versus France semi-final at Parc Y Scarlets in Llanelli was smooth enough until the ground was actually in sight, whereupon I typcially managed to make several wrong calls on which way to go!
The location of the rugby ground close to roundabouts and retail parks is fine for arriving by car or coach but for pedestrians it is a little tricky to determine which road and which turning to take from the bus stop by McDonalds, so a little foreknowledge could be useful.
It was easy to spot the stadium from the Swansea bus and having been dropped off at the nearest stop, the venue proved a little difficult to reach, so my advice for those arriving on foot is to aim for the road by the housing estate visible up behind the ground, which leads you right into the stadium gates.
A little hot and bothered on my eventual arrival, it was a relief to be inside and be greeted by Ceri Stennett and co, and to receive the media accreditation, etc, cool water to drink but the hot pies were left for others.
Some more about turns were still necessary, up and down flights of stairs a couple of times, before the way through to the press box was found and all still in good time.
The crowd of 389 might have been better for a semi-final in the summer holidays and the game certainly deserved more spectators, so hopefully thousands enjoyed it as much on Eurosport.
It all felt pretty even by the break, on what was a very good looking surface but France went for it with a couple of half time substitutions, one of whom, Kadidiatou Diani, was to stun Germany with two goals in as many minutes. UEFA seemed shocked too, as their website briefly showed the score incorrectly as 1-1.
When Les Bleuesettes were reduced to ten players, Germany were offered the chance to get back into the game but couldn’t make the most of their opportunities, although they might have had a penalty before their stoppage-time spot-kick was converted.
To be honest, I was relieved that no extra-time had been needed to settle the tie, as it was very hard to see what I was typing due to the light reflecting on my laptop screen. It could take several seconds to even locate the cursor, so adaptations might have to be made for Saturday.
It was enjoyable to see how France celebrated reaching the final, it clearly meant an awful lot to them, as they engaged in a sort of lengthy communal yell of sheer delight, despite it being rather uncomfortable on the ears!
The day had offered a double-header with the England semi-final against Finland at Carmarthen Town FC but the 7pm kick-off didn’t allow for getting back on public transport, so I sadly had to forego that pleasure.
However, seeing first half goals go in at regular intervals for England on the UEFA live updates was very pleasing and meant I would get to see England play after all – and in the final!
A 4-0 scoreline certainly prepares Mo Marley’s side nicely for the showpiece event, and the troublesome trip to Parc Y Scarlets also prepares myself for a much easier return trip to Llanelli, for Saturday’s 3pm kick-off.
Tickets can be purchased at the stadium and are just £5 for adults and £1 for children/senior citizens.
DIRECTIONS TO PARC Y SCARLETS:
FROM THE WEST – Leave the M4 at Junction 48. Turn right at the junction on to the A4138 signposted Llanelli. Stay on the A4138 for approximately 3 miles until you reach the traffic lights with a Premier Inn on your left, turn left immediately after the hotel following the Stadium parking signs.
FROM THE EAST – Leave M4 at junction 48. Turn left at the junction on to the A4138 signposted Llanelli. Stay on the A4138 for approximately 3 miles until you reach the traffic lights with a Premier Inn on your left, turn left immediately after the hotel following the Stadium parking signs.
Pictured (from top) – France celebrate victory, Diani scores her first, Pauline Bremer is brought down by Solene Durand. (Photos: www.jamesprickett.co.uk)
SHE KICKS – the online community for women’s football
