FRANCE WINNER WOMEN'S EURO U17
FRANCE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY !
It was today in Tallinn, Estonia. France became only the fourth different nation to win the UEFA European Women's Under-17 Championship but only after withstanding a quickfire comeback from Spain, beaten in their second final in a row.
France, unchanged from their 10-2 semi-final win against Switzerland, resisted to Spain in the first half. The reigning world champions had only one chance, Pau Comendador heading a high cross straight at Alyssa Fernandes from close range.
Spain, who had won every game in their run to this final even in qualifying, kept attacking. An excellent saving tackle from Lou Autin denied Vicky López, who last year tasted penalty shoot-out defeat in the final by Germany but went on to inspire her country to FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup glory in India alongside Ainhoa Alguacil and Cris Librán, both also starting today.
Spain found themselves behind in a WU17 EURO game for the first time since last year's final. It came from their own corner move; in a turbo counter, Mélinda Mendy played Liana Joseph clear and she calmly beat Alazne Estensoro.
Joseph , best Goalscorer in France U19 League with 27 goals and 5 goals in the decisive match against Paris SG, scored again ten minutes later, touching in after racing on to Autin's long pass. The third goal soon arrived as Vicky Lopez fouled Maeline Mendy in the box and the France captain herself converted the penalty to join Liana Joseph on a finals-leading five goals.
That seemed the decision but Vicky Lopez, Barcelona’s talent, did’nt accept the defeat. In two minutes, she scored two goals, beating Alyssa Fernades with two superb efforts.Lopez had a late chance blocked in the box but, after Spain had Aïcha Cámara sent off for bringing down Naolia Traore, France were able to celebrate joining the roll of honour, adding this title to their 2012 U-17 World Cup success.