Spain take title as Norway denied again
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Spain came from behind in the Czech Republic to pick up their fourth title and inflict Norway's fifth final defeat.
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Spain reclaimed the UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship title in the Czech Republic as the competition returned following a two-year absence due to COVID-19.
In a tournament where six of the eight contenders were former winners, and another were the hosts making a finals debut, four-time runners-u Norway made the decider hoping to go one better than in 2001, 2003, 2008 and 2011 and led five minutes in through Iris Omarsdottir. However, Ane Elexpuru levelled before half-time and with extra time looming, Júlia Bartel scored a dramatic last-gasp winner.
From the off Spain looked strong contenders, beating Italy 3-1 and the Czech Republic 5-0 before a 1-1 draw against holders France, who also went through. Also on the opening day, England beat Norway 4-1 but the tables were to turn.
Sweden followed a 2-0 defeat of Germany with a 1-0 win against England meaning they could afford to lose their last game 1-0 to Norway. And that result took Norway through as group winners having also defeated Germany 2-1. England would have finished first (and Norway third) had they beat Germany in their last game but instead lost 3-0.
Both semi-finals were tight and settled by a single goal early in the second half. Mirari Uria's head took Spain past Sweden and an own goal ended France's reign as champions and took Norway, under soon-to-be senior coach Hege Riise, to a fifth final.
It resulted in a fifth defeat, Spain claiming a fourth title to go within two of Germany's record; their ninth final had already taken them one away from the mark held by Germany and France.
Pedro López, who had led Spain to victory in the 2015 WU17 EURO and 2017 WU19 EURO, said: "We did everything possible to win the final. We tried absolutely everything, and I think the squad are fully deserving of the victory."