Rivals square up to world champions

By Kevin Ashby in Buk

Despite the prospect of facing world champions Germany, the coaches of the three other teams in Group A spoke confidently at the press conference which preceded the opening round of UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship matches in Hungary today.

'Total respect'
In their first-ever final tournament, it is hosts Hungary who provide Germany's first opposition in Buk at 19.30CET, two and a half hours after Finland tackle Switzerland in Papa. "Germany are Germany," said Finland coach Jarmo Matikainen. "You can play an even game against them and in the end they win. But I also believe that in every football game you have a chance and that's the beautiful thing about it. You have to have total respect for your opponent but underdogs always have a chance."

'Big boost'
Finnish women's football has made giant strides in the past 12 months, typified by the seniors advancing to the semi-finals of UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2005™. Matikainen believes staging the junior competition in 2004 provided "the big boost" the game in his homeland needed to progress to the next level and his primary aim in Hungary is "to continue to develop players for the senior team", adding with a smile: "If we get a point or two in the process from this tough group then that will be great."

Confident Swiss
Like Matikainen, Switzerland's Claudio Taddei has long-term goals. "It's very important for us to reach the semi-finals as our championship in Switzerland is not very strong," said the man who replaced Béatrice von Siebenthal last summer. "We're here to reach the second phase, but we don't think we can finish above Germany. We don't know too much about Hungary, so maybe the game against Finland will not decide who finishes second."

Free admission
Hungary face a baptism of fire as they take on a Germany side which won this competition three times under Silvia Neid in addition to world honours in Thailand last November. Nevertheless, with admission to all matches free of charge, and a vociferous crowd expected in Buk, Hungary are keen to impress from the off. "The most important aim for us is to make women's football more popular in this country," said coach Edina Markó.

'Attractive football'
"We certainly want to play attractive and interesting football because we want to improve the image of the game," continued the former Hungary player. "We're not favourites to qualify which may be a positive for us, although we have to be realistic about our chances. We will strive to be the equal of the other national teams here."

Meinert task
Neid stepped down as U19 coach to take charge of the senior Germany squad following the success at EURO 2005™, handing the reins to her former international team-mate Maren Meinert. Speaking ahead of her competitive debut as coach, Meinert, who will be without influential midfielder Peggy Kuznik through injury, shrugged off suggestions her side will advance with ease. "It's a difficult situation for us," said the 31-year-old. "We have come here with a new coach and part of a team which won the world championship.

'Anything can happen'
"It will be tough for us playing against the hosts in the first game and we have total respect for them. Hungary will have slept with Germany on their minds for the past few weeks and they will wake up with Germany on their minds. Therefore they will want to fight and you can never say it will be an easy game. It's important for us to have a good start, and after that anything can happen."