Norway, Denmark among magnificent seven
Thursday, September 22, 2011
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Norway, Republic of Ireland, Denmark and Spain were among seven sides to progress to the UEFA European Women's U19 Championship second qualifying round with a perfect record.
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The UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship first qualifying round concluded with seven sides maintaining perfect records after their three group games.
Last season's finalists Norway led the way with an impressive 4-2 victory against the Netherlands, who were 2-1 up with five minutes to go before Ada Hegerberg scored twice to complete a hat-trick and turn the match on its head. The Oranje, who had already sealed progress, finished Group 1 runners-up.
The Republic of Ireland reached nine points in more emphatic fashion, overwhelming Hungary 6-0 with the help of an Aileen Gilroy double, while Spain's 3-0 defeat of Switzerland was equally impressive given that Yannick Schwery's charges – who also advance as runners-up – reached the semi-finals in June. Ivana Andrés, Amanda Sampedro and Alexia Putellas were among the goals.
Sweden and Denmark, who both missed out on the finals last time, topped their sections after respective 3-0 and 1-0 successes against Ukraine and Russia, the latter shading Greece to second place in Group 8 despite a 6-0 triumph over Latvia for Evangelos Koutsakis's charges.
The Czech Republic and Iceland were the two remaining sides to boast a 100% record thanks to 1-0 and 2-0 victories against Poland and Wales, while Belgium won Group 9 following a 2-0 defeat of Romania. Draws between Austria and last season's semi-finalists Italy (0-0) and Scotland and Finland (1-1) guaranteed qualification for all four teams.
The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia bowed out in style as Gentjana Rochi scored five in an 8-1 demolition of Armenia. The Faroe Islands also managed an impressive 2-1 victory over Belarus. Northern Ireland, 4-0 victors over Lithuania, advanced as the best third-placed side.
The draw for the second qualifying round takes place in Nyon on 15 November.
Second qualifying round lineup
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, England*, Finland, France*, Germany*, Iceland, Italy, Netherlands, Northern Ireland**, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Romania, Russia, Scotland, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Wales
* given byes to second stage
** best third-placed team (tbd)
