Magnificent Germany stride on

By Kevin Ashby at the Kauriala Urheilukenttä

Germany remain on course to win the UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship without conceding a goal after defeating Russia 8-0 in their semi-final, the second time in successive games they have broken the tournament scoring record.

Spain next
Silvia Neid's side have now amassed 23 goals without reply in their four matches, although they were only 1-0 in front at half-time thanks to Susanne Kasperczyk's rasping opener. Russia's task became formidable following Anastasia Kostyukova's dismissal and goals after the break from Annike Krahn, Anja Mittag, Lena Goessling, Simone Laudehr, Karolin Thomas and Katharina Griessemer (2) ensured Germany will tackle Spain, the side they beat 7-0 on Monday, in Sunday's showpiece in Vantaa.

Unchanged team
For the fourth match in succession, Neid started with her strongest XI; having scored 15 goals and conceded none in winning Group A there was no need to make unnecessary adjustments. Elena Morozova returned from suspension for Russia in place of Olga Petrova and coach Valentin Grishin handed Alexandra Gomozova a surprise first start in Finland, Elena Sodova stepping aside.

Sochneva so close
Russia scored after 16 seconds when securing their place in the last four with Monday's 3-0 victory against Norway, and Ekaterina Sochneva twice went close to putting her side ahead from identical positions inside ten minutes in Hämeenlinna. They were made to pay in the eleventh minute when left-back Kasperczyk scored one of the goals of the tournament, a superb low shot into the corner from distance.

Kostyukova dismissed
Only valiant last-ditch defending from Gomozova denied Mittag a second after the tournament's leading scorer had unusually dwelled too long before shooting from just inside the area. The Germany striker then forced Elvira Todua into a one-handed save before Melanie Behringer earned warm applause for both a diving header and fierce shot. After Kostyukova's 38th-minute dismissal, Peggy Kuznik connected with Mittag's clever centre but could not direct the ball into the net.

Captain marvel
Krahn had no problems doing just that in the 49th minute, prodding in the loose ball from a corner. It was the German captain's third goal in four games, a remarkable statistic for a central defender. Mittag put the result beyond doubt with Germany's third, a close-range finish from another corner, in the 65th minute before being replaced by Griessemer, who soon rattled the post with a great drive.

Individual goal
Goessling's fine individual goal in the 82nd minute, the forward brilliantly switching the ball from her right foot to left before unleashing a low shot into the corner, paved the way for a Russian collapse and three minutes later it was 5-0 as Griessemer's corner was headed in by the unmarked Laudehr at the far post.

Cool finish
Despite a huge lead, Germany were in no mood to take pity on the dispirited Russians and Thomas made it 6-0 with another low drive in the final minute. Griessemer was then the star of added time, first scoring with a superb shot high into the net before completing the rout with another cool finish with virtually the last touch of the match.

Most Valuable Player: Lena Goessling (Germany)
Attendance: 450