Hosts feel German force

Germany put the disappointment of last season's UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship behind them in emphatic fashion as they moved to the top of Group A with an opening 4-0 victory against Finland.

Coach's vow
Having been the first team eliminated, as holders and hosts, in 2003, coach Silvia Neid had vowed that Germany would return as a force this year. The three-time winners proved they are as Anja Mittag, Lena Goessling, Simone Laudehr and Melanie Behringer scored at the Hyvinkää Sportspark. The hosts must now not lose against Spain, 3-1 winners against Switzerland today, on Friday to avoid the fate which befell Germany in Leipzig.

Early control
Their grey away strip imitating the overcast conditions, Germany asserted immediate control and Laudehr tested Finland goalkeeper Minna Meriluoto with a low drive through a crowded penalty area. Laudehr and Mittag, who played in the final when Germany won this tournament in 2002, then combined superbly to pick out Karolin Thomas, but Meriluoto showed bravery and a perfect sense of timing to nullify the danger; as did left-back Maija Saari as Behringer threatened following a sweeping counterattack from a Finland corner.

Sjölund close
With the early storm weathered, Finland captain Nelli Berg's slide-rule pass allowed lone striker Taru Laihanen to show her pace, and Germany captain Annike Krahn her ability to make last-ditch tackles. Finland's tallest player, central midfielder Annica Sjölund, headed the resulting corner wide. Goessling was next to shoot wide, although she perhaps should have done better having been found unmarked by Behringer six metres from goal midway through the half.

Useful outlet
Laudehr was proving a useful outlet for Germany, her pace and skill making her a persistent threat down the left wing. She showed both qualities on a fine solo run in the 32nd minute when only Tea Korkeakunnas's challenge prevented her from capping a promising raid with a goal. Four minutes later Germany were in front, Mittag clinically steering a cross from the right beyond Meriluoto. Finland's attempts to utilise Laihanen's speed, meanwhile, proved futile against a resolute four-player German defence.

Storming start
Meri Viljanen had already closed down a stinging Thomas shot and Meriluoto had denied Mittag with a fine save before Germany made it 2-0 five minutes into the second half. Mittag beat the goalkeeper to a low pass, turned and picked out Goessling who had the simple task of tapping into an empty net with her left foot. She almost made it 3-0 soon after, Maija Saari, stationed on the post, clearing.

Fine display
The third goal arrived in the 64th minute as the impressive Laudehr headed in a cross from Behringer. Mittag then scooped another Behringer ball against the bar from close range before the right-winger capped a sterling personal and team performance by putting the finishing touch to a superb 70th-minute move initiated by Peggy Kuznik, a tireless cog in Germany's dynamic midfield.

Most Valuable Player: Peggy Kuznik
Attendance: 1400