France strike in Scotland
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France won their fifth title in their record tenth final, beating Germany 2-1 to lift the trophy in Scotland.
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Spain's two-year reign as UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship holders and run of five straight finals were both ended by France, who in Scotland made the decider for a record tenth time and moved to within one of Germany's record tally of six titles.
France cruised to the finals without conceding a goal, but then so did Spain and England, while Germany scored 45 goals in their six qualifiers. But it was the Netherlands in the goals on the opening day in Group A as they beat Norway 5-0, having led 2-0 after five minutes and 4-0 at half-time. France, by contrast, needed an added-time Naomie Feller goal to pip hosts Scotland 2-1.
Late goals were again crucial for France three days later as Melvine Malard scored on 85 and 93 minutes to beat the Netherlands 3-1, while Norway overcame Scotland 4-0. The Netherlands knew victory against Scotland would send them through as they produced a 4-0 victory, and while Norway equalised three times against France, the last in the 89th minute, a 3-3 draw was not enough for them to overtake their opponents.
Group B was settled after two matchdays, as 2018 final rivals Germany and Spain both beat England and Belgium. Germany topped the section on goal difference after a 0-0 draw with the holders, England taking third place 1-0 against Belgium.
The four semi-finalists were assured 2020 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup spots but now had a title to win. And it was not to be Spain, as they fell 3-1 in extra time to France, with two goals from Vicki Becho, the first 15-year-old to score in the Women's U19 finals since Ada Hegerberg in 2011. Germany also won 3-1 against the Netherlands, a Marie Müller penalty and Shekiera Martinez goal in the last nine minutes decisive.
Paisley was the venue for the final, and France had already beaten Scotland, the Netherlands and Spain at St Mirren Park. Nicole Anyomi put Germany ahead early but Sandy Baltimore soon equalised and with 17 minutes to go Maëlle Lakrar decided the game in France's favour. Malard ended top scorer on four goals while Becho became the tournament's youngest-ever winner.