Bock leads Germany celebrations

Germany hero Nathalie Bock said she "wanted to hug the whole world" after scoring the decisive opening goal in Germany's 2-0 extra-time victory over England as Maren Meinert's team retained their UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship title.

Defensive wall
The holders had the edge for much of the proceedings in Reykjavik but were unable to make their possession count as England defended valiantly. Led by central defensive pairing Fern Whelan and Sophie Bradley, the underdogs limited Germany to half chances for much of the encounter, though Nadine Kessler saw her second-half header come back off the crossbar. The game went into extra time and looked destined for the lottery of penalties before Germany's class told in the 107th minute as England failed to clear an awkward right-wing corner and Bock pounced and fired in.

'Long celebrations'
"I didn't know what to feel after I scored but I wanted to hug the whole world," said the 18-year-old midfielder. Her ecstatic team-mates obliged as best they could, rushing from all over the pitch to join the celebrations as palpable relief spread through the camp. That relief turned into pure joy when Monique Kerschowski sealed victory in the final minute and became delirious singing as the side climbed the steps to collect the trophy from UEFA President Michel Platini. Bock promised they will not stop there, either, saying: "Our celebrations will be long and intensive until our flight home tomorrow".

Team ethic
The winners' medal is reward for 12 days hard work for the VfL Wolfsburg youngster who has played defensive foil to the more attack-minded Kessler in the centre of the Germany midfield to some effect. The side conceded just twice in the four games Bock started, but she is keen to salute the collective efforts. "This is a good team and there is a good team spirit and we can go far, starting with the [FIFA U-20] World Cup," she continued. "I'll start preparing for the new season as well soon but for now it is holidays."