Bremer double takes Germany past Sweden

Haverfordwest hosted its first UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship match but there was nothing new about the outcome as four-time champions Germany beat Sweden to book their place in the semi-finals.

A pair of second-half headers from No9 Pauline Bremer proved enough to defeat the title holders 2-0 at Bridge Meadow as Germany, who had put five past Norway in their opening game, made it two Group B wins out of two. However, a Swedish side that consistently refused to buckle under German pressure were left with one point and needing a result against Norway on Sunday to keep their grip on the trophy.

The opening exchanges were conducted mostly in Sweden territory. Annabel Jäger warmed Louise Högrell's hands from distance on an already sunny afternoon in south-west Wales. Sweden were also sweating when Linda Dallmann and Lina Magull countered a rare attack from Calle Barrling's team by leading a raid down Germany's left which resulted in Magull's effort being blocked for a corner.

Högrell had further work to do when Annabel Jäger released Bremer, and then when Theresa Panfil found herself one-on-one with the keeper. The traffic direction was not entirely one way, however: Germany No1 Meike Kämper prevented Marija Banušić and Meike Kämper profiting from dangerous Swedish moments.

Faced with a doughty Sweden rearguard action, coach Maren Meinert had to call for patience and better movement from the side in white. Early in the second half this resulted in a menacing strike from Jäger and Rebecca Knaak's header just over. Knaak turned supplier when the breakthrough eventually arrived on 59 minutes, her left-wing cross being nodded in at the near post by Bremer.

Sweden's defences had finally been breached in this Pembrokeshire county town that grew around a Norman castle. A second and fatal blow would be delivered by Bremer, again with her head, from Jäger's right-wing corner after 84 minutes. The holders, by now, had used up their repertoire of blocks and brave tackles.