France and Germany faced each other in the final of a UEFA Women’s Under-19 Championship for the third time, with the Germans winning both previous encounters back in 2002 and 2006. Yet this year it was the French who came out on top with a 2-1 victory in the Scottish town of Paisley to clinch the title for the fifth time.

Everything initially appeared to be going to plan for Germany coach Maren Meinert in her fifth and last European final, as Nicole Anyomi gave the six-time champions the lead after just six minutes. France responded just a short time later when Sandy Baltimore beat opposition goalkeeper Wiebke Willebrandt to score the equaliser. Germany were unlucky not to restore their advantage when a shot from Anyomi rattled the post shortly before half-time.

In the last 15 minutes of the second half, Maelle Lakrar found the target to break German hearts and seal a 2-1 win and the title for France. Although Melvine Malard missed a chance to put the result beyond doubt shortly before the final whistle, she remained the tournament’s top scorer with four goals, while Meinert ended her reign as Germany’s head coach with three trophies to her name.

Having contested the last edition of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2018 in France as European champions, Spain reached the end of the road with a 3-1 semi-final defeat at the hands of the eventual winners this time around. Two years ago, the Rojita lifted the trophy in Belfast against the same opponents after having to settle for second place on three previous occasions.

Nevertheless, the battle to reach the final was incredibly close, with all four goals coming in extra time – a competition record. The result ended Spain’s two-year reign and meant they missed out on the final for the first time since 2013.

In the second semi-final, the Netherlands lost to the six-time U-19 European champions by the same 3-1 scoreline. Despite this disappointment, the Oranje still had reason to celebrate, as their last-four finish earned them a spot at their second U-20 Women’s World Cup since 2018.

By contrast, France 2018 semi-finalists England will miss the next global showdown. The Young Lionesses were forced to settle for third place in the group stage after recording just one win.

Hosts Scotland failed to secure a single point during the tournament, losing 2-1 to France, 4-0 to Norway and 4-0 to the Netherlands during the group stage.

10 – France featured in the final of the Women’s Under-19 Championship for the tenth time and have lifted the trophy five times (2003, 2010, 2013, 2016 and 2019). Opponents Germany have reached the final nine times, winning six titles (2000, 2001, 2002, 2006, 2007, 2011).

France 2-1 Germany Goals: 0-1 Nicole Anyomi (6’), 1-1 Sandy Baltimore (13’), 2-1 Maelle Lakrar (73’)

By reaching the semi-finals at the eight-team tournament, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands and champions France booked their tickets to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2020.