Coaches consider finals draw

Draw déjà vu
Tournament hosts last year, Finland lost all their group games in their maiden appearance on this stage after being handed tough assignments against Switzerland, Germany and Spain. Champions Spain did not qualify this time but Matikainen's team have again been drawn against the Swiss and FIFA world champions Germany. Nonetheless, the coach remains optimistic.

'Great challenge'
"There's no such thing as an easy draw," he said. "Every match will be a great challenge. Germany are without doubt the toughest opponents in the group. In fact, they are favourites to win the championship." But although a victory against Maren Meinert's side would constitute something of a coup, Finland, narrowly defeated 2-1 by Switzerland at this stage last year, go into their other matches as equals.

Similar level
"Switzerland are on the same level we are, as we saw last year when playing against them," Matikainen said. "Hungary will be more or less the same as Switzerland although it will be a tough task, so we definitely have a chance of reaching semi-finals."

Taddei positive
Switzerland coach Claudio Taddei echoed his counterpart's thoughts, and was grateful to avoid Russia and France. "Germany are favourites but Hungary and Finland are well within our reach," Taddei said. "I think we have a good chance of reaching the semi-finals although the other teams probably think the same. But it's a good group because Russia and France are in the other pool."

British derby
England and Scotland make up Group B with the French and the Russians, and Scotland coach Tony Gervais is relishing the British derby. "I'm delighted to have missed Germany," he said, "but we've drawn the 'Auld Enemy' England - that should be an interesting game. I would say France are the favourites along with England and Russia. There's all to play for as far as Scotland are concerned."

Unknown quantity
France coach Stéphane Pilard sees newcomers Scotland as an unknown quantity and is keen to take an early look at them. "Scotland have reached this stage for the first time, so they're a bit unpredictable," Pilard said. "But we'll know more about them after their first game against England.

French fancy
"Our section is tighter than the other and we'll have to be at our best to progress. Russia are constantly improving - they reached the semi-finals last year and have a promising squad, while England eliminated both Italy and Norway [in qualifying]. We will aim for the semi-finals at a minimum."

World championship berths
Should they make the last four, France will be guaranteed a berth in the FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship in Russia. Should the latter tournament's hosts reach the semi-finals here, then the 5th/6th play-off match will have added spice with the victor taking Europe's fourth spot in that championship.