Denmark pip Switzerland to bronze on penalties

Denmark claimed third place at the UEFA European Women's Under-17 Championship for the second time after pipping Switzerland on penalties following a lively goalless draw.

Goalkeeper Nicole Studer fired Switzerland's seventh effort against the post, with her team having twice missed spot kicks which would have won them the match. Denmark, though, will feel they got their just reward after shading an end-to-end, close-fought match in the regulation 80 minutes.

It was a harsh outcome for Studer, who had saved well from Sarah Hansen early on, and excellently turned Maja Kildermoes' stabbed shot round the post in the 28th minute. However, she could only stand and watch as Anna Fisker's looping effort hit the bar a minute later.

Switzerland had their moments, with Audrey Wuichet proving a menace down the left and twice threatening Naja Bahrenscheer's goal with diving headers in an even first half.

After the break Denmark upped their game, Hansen thwarted by Studer diving bravely at the substitute's feet in the 55th minute and Pauline Vienne doing just enough to hook the ball to safety as the Swiss fans breathed a sigh of relief.

Sabrina Ribeaud could not quite get a shot away for Switzerland, while Amalie Grønbæk Thestrup's effort skimmed wide and Hansen volleyed over in a frantic finale as both teams went for it but were unable to avoid a shoot-out.

Both teams scored their first two but the advantage went to Switzerland when Mille Poulsen put wide for Denmark and Sabrina Ribeaud hit the back of the net. When Studer saved substitute Thestrup's effort with her legs it was all set up for Pauline Vienne to seal victory for the finals debutants but her attempt hit the post.

Maja Kilemoes calmly netted to give Denmark hope and Francesca Calo's effort was brilliantly parried away by Bahrenscheer to force sudden death. Both teams then scored but after Isabel Nederby hit the target, Studer's miss proved to be decisive.