Van Den Bergh: Belgium can bow out on a high

Belgium captain Tinne Van Den Bergh cuts a dejected figure as she sits down with UEFA.com to pick over the bones of the Red Flames' UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship campaign. She perks up a bit when the subjects of beating Germany and Monday's meeting with the Netherlands crop up, though.

We deserve to be here …
In April we beat Germany in the elite round. A lot of teams were surprised – us too, to be honest. We played a really good match with a lot of determination and won 1-0 with a late goal – I scored it, actually. That was really special. We were at home and were supported by a fantastic crowd. Scoring that goal was the most important thing I did on the pitch this season.

The pivotal moment against Scotland …
We started off really strongly in our opening game. We fell behind to a really unfortunate goal just a couple of seconds after we should have scored because we had a really big chance. Instead they scored. The goal got to us and we lost our game for a moment. After that, we couldn't get back into it.

Belgium celebrate after beating Germany©David Catry

We were all so disappointed …
We knew anything could happen and we created chances but it wasn't enough. In the first half we were under a lot of pressure but in the second we enjoyed more space. We managed to get one back and I thought we could get an equaliser but we didn't manage it. We were so disappointed because we have all worked so hard.

It really hurts that we're out … 
It's absolutely horrible to have to accept that you have to go home after just two matches. The coach told us that we should be really proud with what we accomplished. Just being able to play here is a great achievement and we played two good matches. Playing on a stage like this is a wonderful experience.

The midfielder talks to UEFA.com©Sportsfile

We must bow out on a high …
The Netherlands are not going to beat us! The Dutch are not going to win because we are leaving here with three points! I know everybody is going to fight for a result. Playing them always brings a little extra – we definitely don't want to get beaten by the Dutch. We know a lot of their players because we play in the same league [Van Den Bergh plays for WD Lierse SK in the BeNe League]. On the pitch there is rivalry but off the pitch there isn't.

Belgian women's football is burning bright … 
The Belgian Red Flames brand is really growing at the moment and we do a lot to promote it. We want people to come and watch women's football. I think most people in Belgium know our name now and that's just the start. I'm really proud to be part of the Belgian Red Flames!