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SPARTANS FOOTBALL CLUB |
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SPARTANS FOOTBALL CLUB |
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Scotland u19 UEFA Championship 2007 - 2008 Group Finals :-
The Scotland squad
are back on home soil home after bowing out of the UEFA Women’s Under 19
Tournament in France at the group stage. Scotland were competing in the
tournament for only the second time in its seven year history, and for the first
time in three years.
Despite results not going their way, the team won plaudits from both spectators
and opposition for their performances on the park, and head coach Ritchie Wilson
is confident about the future of Scottish Women’s football. He said:
“Obviously we’re disappointed that we’re home so early, however many positives
can be taken from the experience. The girls played against three high quality
sides, and for various spells, often long spells, they dominated the games and
showed true class in their performances.
Sometimes a lack of concentration caused us some problems in the games, but as I
said, many positives can be taken, both in terms of team performances and a
number of the individuals who performed very well at such a high level.
For the future, I think it’s looking great for Scottish women’s football. A
number of these players will have the opportunity to come back again and compete
at that level, and will look forward to that.
With regards to the tournament, it was very well organised, excellent
facilities, excellent accommodation, and UEFA deserve credit for putting on such
an event. Let’s hope that Scotland will be there to participate in future events
like this in years to come.”
Click here to
listen to Ritchie’s assessment of the tournament
courtesy of scootishfa.co.uk
Ruthless Germany charge into last four
The holders Germany booked their
place in the semi-finals of the UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship
in comprehensive fashion in Amboise, putting seven unanswered goals past
Scotland to seal first place in Group B ahead of Sweden.
Half-time advantage
Maren Meinert's side raced into a five-goal lead by half-time thanks to two
goals from Lisa Schwab either side of strikes from Kim Kulig, Marie Pollmann
and Stefanie Mirlach. And although Germany eased up after the restart, they
still added two more to their tally through Marina Hegering and Selina
Wagner to set up a semi-final date with Norway on Wednesday.
Scotland chance
Germany may have looked the more determined side in the opening exchanges,
but it was Scotland who could have taken an early lead when Desiree
Schumann's brilliant save denied Christie Murray's close-range effort. That
was about as good as it got for the Scots, though, as Germany took the lead
on ten minutes as Schwab received possession on the left, moved into the
penalty area and finished clinically from ten metres.
Potent
Pollmann
The second arrived eight minutes later when Kulig lofted the ball over
Scotland goalkeeper Khym Ramsay. The German attack was purring and Jennifer
Beattie then cleared a Schwab header off the line to spare Scotland from
further woe. The half-hour mark had just passed when Pollmann scored her
fourth goal of the tournament, clipping in an easy third following a
pin-point pass from Verena Faisst. Five minutes later a Simic free-kick
found Stefanie Mirlach at the far post and the lead was extended further.
Schwab double
Scotland valiantly tried to fight back but Rachel Corsie's shot from the
left side of the penalty area rattled the crossbar. The relief was only
temporary, however, as the impressive Schwab started and finished a move
involving Pollmann and Simic to claim her second of the game in added time
at the end of the half. Hegering made it 6-0 two minutes into the second
period after a Simic corner and substitute Wagner completed the scoring on
64. Kim Little went close to grabbing a consolation when she shot over in
the dying minutes, while Rachel Schumann thwarted Corsie's late effort as
Scotland's campaign ended on a low note. Germany, though, are only looking
forward.
******************************************************************************************************************
| Group A | Pld | Pts |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | 3 | 6 |
| Norway | 3 | 4 |
| Norway | 3 | 4 |
| France | 3 | 3 |
| Group B | Pld | Pts |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | 3 | 7 |
| Sweden | 3 | 5 |
| England | 3 | 4 |
| Scotland | 3 | 0 |
Sunday 13th July 2008 – Lauren MacMillan
UEFA
held a party a couple of days ago, which all eight teams in the competition went
along to. There was a barbeque and karaoke, and it was a good ice breaker as all
eight teams participated in the singing and it was a good laugh.
Over the last couple of days we’ve really started to get to know people and
we’ve made friends with the English players, so it’s been really enjoyable.
Going into the last game, obviously we know we can’t progress any further in
this competition, but it’s really good that we’re playing against the European
champions.
It’s a great learning curve for our younger players, who maybe haven’t played
against Germany before, and for the older ones it’s a good one to look forward
to as we’ve never beaten them before and we’re always looking to change that.
The last time we played them we played a really good strong game, and today
we’ll be looking for a victory and to win all of our individual battles on the
park.
Coming into the finals, obviously we were looking to do well, but no matter what
happens representing your country is always really great.
Click here
to listen to Lauren's latest diary entry
courtesy of scottishfa.co.uk
Toni Duggan scored twice to secure a 3-1 victory for England and breathe new life into their UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship campaign while ending that of Scotland.
Telling impact
With both sides in need of three points after opening-day Group B defeats,
Duggan made all the difference. After Jordan Nobbs and Ruesha Littlejohn had
traded early goals, the Everton LFC striker came to the fore, putting
England ahead against the run of play in first-half added time before
sealing victory on 74 minutes.
Frenetic opening
The mercury on the thermometer at the Stade Marcel Vignaud was edging ever
closer to the 30C mark when the game kicked off but any thoughts of
conserving energy were forgotten in a blistering opening. Barely three
minutes were on the clock when Nobbs broke the deadlock, heading in Jessica
Clarke's cross from close range after a fine move involving Brooke Chaplen
on the left flank. It was a dream start for the 15-year-old Nobbs, coming
into the side in place of Elizabeth Edwards, but the celebrations proved
fleeting as Littlejohn converted from point-blank range after Christie
Murray's lob had come back off the crossbar.
Timely strike
England were rocked, and Scotland were soon on the hunt for more but
Littlejohn, in particular, was unable to make the pressure tell. England
goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer and talismanic centre-back Sophie Bradley hardly
made it easy for her, either, each making vital blocks. And on the cusp of
half-time Scotland were made to pay for their profligacy as Jennifer Beattie
misjudged a long ball forward and Duggan pounced, collecting inside the box
and firing in a shot that somehow crept under Rachel Harrison in the
Scotland goal.
Harrison heroics
It was another blow for Ritchie Wilson's team having been undone by a
last-gasp goal on Monday and the sight of Natalie Ross limping off at the
start of the second period did not help. Duggan almost made matters worse
but Harrison did brilliantly, running out to block on the edge of her area,
and she had to be at her best again just after the hour to deny Nobbs. She
could do nothing, though, when Chaplen's shot was deflected into the path of
Duggan 16 minutes from time, and the No 9 slipped the ball in to leave
England needing to beat Sweden on Sunday to assure progress. Scotland are
out.
| Group A | Pld | Pts |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | 2 | 6 |
| Norway | 2 | 3 |
| France | 2 | 3 |
| Spain | 2 | 0 |
| Group B | Pld | Pts |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | 2 | 4 |
| Sweden | 2 | 4 |
| England | 2 | 3 |
| Scotland | 2 | 0 |
******************************************************************************************************************
In the must-win clash between England and Scotland at the
UEFA U19 Championship finals, Jordan Nobbs headed Mo Marley's side into a 4th
minute lead from Jess Clarke's cross. Christie Murray levelled inside 2 minutes
for the Scots, following up after Ruesha Littlejohn hit the crossbar.
But deep into first-half stoppage time, Toni Duggan beat keeper Rachel Harrison
from the edge of the box.
Duggan gave England breathing space with her second on 74 minutes, with a simple
finish after Brooke Chaplen's strike was fumbled. A 3-1 sets England up for a
crucial last group match against Sweden.
******************************************************************************************************************
UEFA Women’s Under 19 Tournament: Scotland 1 England 3
Stade Marcel Vignaud, Avoine, France
A strong first half performance wasn't enough to help
Scotland pick up their first points of the Women’s Under 19 Tournament, as they
lost to England in Avoine.
Scotland will now bow out of the tournament regardless of the result in Sunday's
final group game against holders Germany.
Scotland got off to a bad start when Jordan Nobbs fired England into the lead
within three minutes. But they quickly took hold of the game, showing more of
the confident passing and movement that impressed in the opening group game
against Sweden.
The Scots dominated possession, with captain Rachel Corsie leading by example in
the middle of the park, and Kim Little and Natalie Ross winning the majority of
the midfield battles. The work-rate quickly paid dividends as Ruesha Littlejohn
equalised from close range just three minutes later, after Christie Murray’s lob
had struck the bar.
Scotland had a number of chances to take the lead in the first half. Murray was
involved in the build-up play again as she slotted a defence-splitting pass
through to the advancing Jane Ross, who mistimed her shot in front of goal.
Littlejohn also found herself one-on-one with the goalkeeper on more than one
occasion, but couldn’t add to her tally.
Unfortunately, the end of the half echoed the end of the previous game against
Sweden, with England grabbing the lead deep into injury time, and against the
run of play. Toni Duggan got onto the end of a long ball, and her low shot
squeezed under Rachel Harrison into the net.
The influential Natalie Ross was stretchered off the park early in the second
half, as Scotland struggled to match their first-half form. Scotland were
beginning to lose the possession battle and were forced into making some costly
errors, with Harrison pulling off a string of fine saves to keep her side in the
game.
But there was little the keeper could do to prevent England’s third goal in 76
minutes, when a shot was deflected into Duggan’s path and she slotted the ball
home to net her second, and England's third.
Head coach Ritchie Wilson said: “We’re disappointed to lose the game, and
disappointed that the tournament is over for us. We did well to level the game
after losing the early goal, and showed a lot of spirit. In both games we’ve
lost goals at critical times, but In football you can do all the preparations in
the world but there's always that bit of luck involved in the game."
Thursday 10th July 2008 – Rachel Corsie
We felt disappointed after our
first game against
Now, the mood is back to the usual – everyone is buzzing.
Everyone gets on well with each other and we’re all looking out for each other
and keeping spirits high, which I think is important because we need to work
together to get three points today.
I’m enjoying everything about being here really - everyone being together, the
hotel, everyone mixing, doing team activities in our free time. It’s been a
really good experience.
The game this afternoon will be the biggest I’ll ever have played in. Obviously
it’s against
Click here
to listen to Rachel's latest diary entry
courtesy of scottishfa.co.uk
Monday, 07 Jul 2008
Georges Boulogne, Amboise
After dominating much of their opening match, Scotland were dealt a cruel blow
when Sweden wrapped up all three points with a 94th minute goal in Amboise.
The Scots put in an excellent all round performance, and showed great resilience
to level the score after Sweden had grabbed the opener against the run of play
in the 68th minute.
When Christie Murray equalised with nine minutes to go, Scotland continued to
press forward looking for the winning goal. But it wasn’t to be, as substitute
Sara Sjostedt scored at the other end in the last minute of injury time.
Scotland started the game brightly, with Murray shooting just wide inside the
first minute. And when captain Rachel Corsie was fouled on the edge of the box
inside 10 minutes, Jane Ross had a shot saved from the resultant free kick. But
there was a let off for Scotland a few minutes later when a long range effort
from Louise Fors looped over ‘keeper Rachel Harrison and rattled off the
upright.
A torrential rainstorm midway through the first half did little to dampen
Scotland’s enthusiasm as they continued to string together some excellent passes
in the middle of the park. And the two Ross’s combined to create the best chance
of the half, with Jane heading just wide from Natalie’s sublime cross.
After the restart, Sweden continued to threaten on the break, but Danica Dalziel
and Jennifer Beattie looked solid at the back for Scotland. As the half wore on,
the Scots began to take control again, with Kim Little and Christie Murray
causing the Swedish defence problems. However, it was Sweden who broke the
deadlock through Emmelie Konradsson’s low shot in 68 minutes.
Scotland kept their heads up, and it was no surprise when Murray levelled the
score shortly afterwards. Little forced the Swedish ‘keeper to tip the ball onto
the bar, and Murray showed some neat footwork to turn and fire a deflected shot
into the top corner.
A draw would have been the least that Scotland deserved, but it wasn’t to be as
Sjostedt grabbed a last-gasp winner for the Swedes.
Scotland head coach Ritchie Wilson said: “It was a very disappointing result at
the end of a great performance. The girls played very well in all areas of the
pitch, and you could say that the game was cruelly snatched away from us at the
end. But, we take many positives from this game into the next game against
England.”
Scotland
Rachel Harrison, Rachael Small, Lauren MacMillan, Danica Dalziel, Jennifer
Beattie, Rachel Corsie (C), Jane Ross, Kim Little, Ruesha Littlejohn, Natalie
Ross (Hayley Lauder, 71), Christie Murray (Cheryl McCulloch, 83). Unused subs:
Khym Ramsay, Stacey Calder, Jennifer King, Stacey Williamson, Molly McKean.
*********************************************************************************************************
Sjöstedt seals late Sweden success
Substitute Sara Sjöstedt scored a last-gasp winner as Sweden made a dream start to the UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship, edging out Scotland in Amboise.
Second-half
drama
Scotland appeared to have salvaged a Group B point when Christie Murray
cancelled out Emmelie Konradsson's 69th-minute opener with eight minutes
remaining but there was still time for Sjöstedt to break Scottish hearts. With
four minutes of added time played and Ritchie Wilson's side pushing for a
winner, Kim Ekeborn broke down the right and struck a shot which Rachel Harrison
could only parry into the path of Sjöstedt, who fired in.
Fors force
The only player of the 22 starters with previous finals experience, Louise Fors
– who turned out for Sweden in 2006 – was exempt from the first-half caution as
she proved a menacing presence on the right wing. The Sweden No11 went close to
threading in Konradsson and Sofia Jakobsson before taking matters into her own
hands on 13 minutes. Seeing Harrison off her line, Fors tried her luck from all
of 40 metres and only the upright saved the Scotland goalkeeper's blushes.
Corsie effort
Fors soon had another go after turning Lauren MacMillan and Scotland's attempts
to keep her subdued were not helped when centre-back Jennifer Beattie conceded
possession, although she did block the resulting shot. Yet as the rain started
swirling around the Stade Georges Boulogne, Scotland suddenly grew in stature.
Midfield pivot Rachel Corsie became more influential, the captain flashing one
effort just over before playing a part in the move that almost broke the
deadlock as Jane Ross flicked Natalie Ross's superb left-wing cross just wide.
Near miss
The portents looked ominous for Sweden, with Ruesha Littlejohn also firing a
half-volley over, but as the sun reappeared for the second half so did Calle
Barrling's side. Fors lined up for the restart wearing Isabell Hammarbäck's
shirt after a mix-up of kits, but with the No11 back on her back she delivered a
corner that Appelquist headed just wide. Konradsson was not so profligate,
muscling Danica Dalziel off the ball and firing low to Harrison's right with 21
minutes to play. Yet Scotland battled back, and after Kim Little had forced Nina
Fellbrant to tip on to the bar from distance, Murray tracked into the area,
turned on the penalty spot and fired into the top corner via a heavy deflection.
It looked to be enough but Sjöstedt had other ideas.
| Group A | Pld | Pts |
|---|---|---|
| France | 1 | 3 |
| Italy | 1 | 3 |
| Spain | 1 | 0 |
| Norway | 1 | 0 |
| Group B | Pld | Pts |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | 1 | 3 |
| Sweden | 1 | 3 |
| Scotland | 1 | 0 |
| England | 1 | 0 |
Sunday 6th July 2008 - Lauren MacMillan
We’ve been here for two full days
now, and we’re settling in well. The hotel is really nice, and we’re right next
to a park with a lake, which has been really good for our team walks. The other
teams from our group are staying here too, which I think is a good thing,
because we can see who we’re going to be playing against and to get to know
their faces before we get on to the pitch with them.
Another good thing about the hotel is that our
squad are all staying along one corridor, so we’re close to each other all the
time. I think that’s really good for team spirit, although our team spirit is
great anyway!
Our training facilities are very good as well. We’ve had some great training
sessions over the last two days, and the coaches have told us that they’re very
happy with the standards that we’ve set. Our preparations have been good, but
we’re all just looking forward to the first game now.
Our first game is against Sweden on Monday afternoon, which we know will be a
challenging match. All we’re thinking about is getting three points from that
game, and we’re not looking towards any other games. We know that we’ve got two
strong teams - England and Germany - later on this week, but we’re not thinking
about them at all. We just want to get off to a great start by taking three
points from the first game, then we can start looking forward to the rest of the
competition.
Click here
to listen to Lauren talking about the first few days in France
courtesy of scottishfa.co.uk
Scotland will be competing in the UEFA Under-19
Championships for only the second time in their history next week and Molly
McKean insists that they will not be going there to make up the numbers.
After an eventful year
which also saw a change of manager, Scotland qualified for the Finals from a
group which also involved Denmark, Switzerland and Belarus, and the Spartans
(formerly Edinburgh Ladies) midfielder is confident they can make an impact at
the highest level.
"I can't wait - it's the biggest thing that has happened to me," Molly told
Women's Soccer Scene. "We have gone through an awful lot this season and the
team qualified despite a lot of injuries, so it is such a big achievement to be
there.
"Although it is the first time this squad has been together this season, most of
us know each other from under-15 level upwards. We have got a really good team
spirit, the best I have known when with Scotland, we are all friends and get on
well together. We haven't trained a lot in preparations but things are going
well, we beat the under-23s 2-1 in a friendly recently and are hoping to go to
the Finals fresh and ready."
Scotland have been drawn in a very tough group which also includes Germany,
England and Sweden, but Molly is not fazed by the task which awaits them. "We
think we can do it," she says. "Our aim is to win the first two games as we want
to get to the semi finals."
One match in particular stands out for the whole Scotland squad. "All of the
other teams play a different style but England's will be similar to ours," adds
Molly. "We will be treating that one a bit more seriously as it is a big game
and they are the Auld Enemy!
"We've played all of the teams before, Sweden and Germany were in our group last
year. We drew with Sweden and lost a tight game to Germany - who went on to win
it - so we know what to expect from the games.
"Everyone in the squad has been training individually and working very hard. We
are going into the tournament as outsiders and anyone on the outside would be
expecting us to just relax and play, but we are going to put pressure on
ourselves to do well. We want to reach the semis and we believe we can."
Scotland were forced to change their coach midway through the campaign with
Ritchie Wilson taking over the reins from Tony Gevaise. "It's not always easy
changing when you have a new coach, as he will come in with fresh ideas and
tactics," admits Molly, "but we are managing to adapt and we feel we have got a
special squad. Ritchie is a really nice guy - he is settling in fine and we are
just getting used to the changes."
The Scotland squad has been boosted by the inclusion of three full
internationals - Kim Little, Jennifer Beattie and Natalie Ross. "They have all
been in the senior squad but none of them have experienced this kind of
tournament," says Molly, "but we are pleased to have them! There are a few young
players in the squad and having those three players will be a big help as it
will be up another level from the group stages."
For Molly, the tournament will be the biggest moment of her career to date and
she is relishing the opportunity to play on the big stage. "This is what I have
been dreaming for since I started playing football," she smiles. I was so happy
when we qualified and it is the best thing ever to have happened to me -
everyone in the squad was over the moon when we knew we were there.
"It's also a great moment for my parents who have supported me so much and for
them to be there, as well as the other players' parents who will be watching us
in the games.
"We want to show everyone that we can still do it after all that happened on the
way, and want do to well for our former coach Tony - who was like a second
father to us - as well as our current coach Ritchie. It's a great achievement
for Scotland to reach these Finals and want to make history."
Thursday 3rd July 2008 - Rachel Corsie
We’re getting ready to head off to
France tomorrow, and everyone is really looking forward to it.
The
morale in the squad is really good just now. We finished the final qualifying
round on a high, and we’ve played together for a year now, so everyone knows
each other really well. We’re all serious and passionate about playing for
Scotland, but we have a laugh too. I think that’s important, and it’s one of the
biggest positives about our squad.
We’re obviously facing some strong teams, with England, Sweden and last year’s
winners ,Germany, in our group, but we’re all excited about the challenge. I’ve
played all of the teams in our group before, which is always a positive as we
have an idea of their strengths and weaknesses. We might be going out to France
as underdogs, but we’ll go there and fight all the way.
It’s always an honour to represent your country, and especially at a major
tournament like this. I know we’ll enjoy everything about being there – the
games, training, even just being together as a group, which is always good fun.
I just can’t wait to get over there!
Click here to
listen to Rachel's pre-tournament interview courtesy of scottishfa.co.uk
WOMEN'S U19 COACH PREPARES FOR EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS
SCOTLAND U19S HANDED TOUGH DRAW FOR EUROS
Scotland have been drawn against holders Germany in the group stages of the UEFA European Women's Under 19 Championship in France this July.
Scotland face three tough group games with Sweden and last year’s finalists, England, also drawn in Group B. Scotland kick off their campaign against Sweden in the town of Amboise on 7th July.
Head coach Ritchie Wilson, who will take the team to the competition this summer, said: “We’re up against the current holders, last years finalists, and another strong side in Sweden, so we have three challenging games ahead. But, with the strength in our team, we’ll be looking forward to every game and to progressing to the next stage. Now we’ll focus on getting the squad together and beginning final preparations for the tournament.”
The full Group B fixture list is:
Monday 7th July
Sweden v Scotland
Germany v England
Thursday 10th July
Scotland v England
Sweden v Germany
Sunday 13th July
Scotland v Germany
England v Sweden
In Group A, hosts France have been drawn against Spain, Norway and Italy.
The 2007/08 UEFA European Women's Championship final tournament will be held in France in the towns of Amboise, Avoine, Blois, Romorantin, Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire, Tours and Vineuil. The tournament runs from 7-19 July 2008.
See "FIXTURES" for details
