Talented twosome earn high praise

'Wonderful advert'
Roxburgh was in the stands at the ZTE stadium in late July, along with technical observers Jarl Torske and Dr György Mezey, as Russia pipped their opponents 6-5 on penalties following a 2-2 draw in Zalaegerszeg. "A wonderful advert for the women's game," was how the Scot saw it, adding of the tactics: "The French played beautiful football with flair and really great shapes. Russia favoured the libero while France preferred 4-4-2."

'Really talented player'
Speaking at the 5th UEFA Women's Football Conference this week, Roxburgh paid tribute to two of the stars of the tournament, Russia striker Elena Danilova and France playmaker Louisa Necib. Danilova scored all but three of Russia's 12 goals in Hungary, including successive hat-tricks and a marvellous finish in the final. "She's a really, really talented player, especially on counterattacks," said the UEFA director.

'Vision, quality, class'
Like many before him, Roxburgh drew comparisons between Necib and Zinedine Zidane, with both having developed an exquisite touch on the streets of Marseille. "When I saw this player I thought: vision, quality, class - just what women's football needs," he said of the No10. "You can never guarantee that a young star will be a star of the future but you can have high hopes."

World Cup
Both players are also regulars in their senior squads, but each has a final chance to bow out on a high at this level as part of a five-strong European challenge at next year's FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Russia.