Germany overwhelm Norway to take U19 title

Germany are UEFA European Women's Under-19 champions for the fourth time after overwhelming Norway in a one-sided final in Imola.

Leading by a Luisa Wensing first-half header, Maren Meinert's side had the match wrapped up by the hour, two goals by Lena Lotzen and strikes from Isabella Schmid and Romana Petzelberger setting Germany on their way to the biggest winning margin in a final. Ivana Rudelic, Schmid again, and Anja Hegenauer completed an 8-1 rout.

As in their four previous four matches, including an opening day 3-1 win against Jarl Torske's side, Germany's midfield swamped their opponents, Schmid conducting play from central midfield and Eunice Beckmann thriving in a wider position. Germany's No 7 created her side's first chance after bringing down a high ball, teeing up Petzelberger whose shot was tipped wide by Ane Fimreite. Beckmann went close herself soon after.

Norway threatened only sporadically from long balls and free-kicks – Leonie Maier clearing Andrine Hegerberg's 25-metre free-kick off the line. Yet although the breakthrough came from a set piece, it was Germany who scored it, Wensing meeting Petzelberger's corner with a brave diving header.

Germany doubled their lead shortly after half-time, a wonderful passing move involving Carolin Simon, Lotzen and Schmid, culminating in the Germany No8 beating Fimreite – just as she had on the opening match of the tournament – from distance. Now the floodgates had opened and Germany's third goal was born of another clever interchange, this time between Schmid and Beckmann, whose neat pass was dispatched by Lotzen.

Norway had no answer to the onslaught and on 58 minutes were four down, Lotzen's cushioned header smashed into the roof of the net by Petzelberger. Moments later Lotzen rose highest to head in Jennifer Cramer's cross. Norway were utterly overrun and were soon six down, caught out on the break, as Rudelic buried a cross from fellow substitute Anja Hegenauer.

Melissa Bjånesøy at least scored her seventh goal of the finals, turning in Caroline Hansen's corner. Germany were not done, however, Schmid compounding Norway's misery with another long shot, before Hegenauer beat Fimreite from 20 metres two minutes from time.