Under-19s: the Titane stand up to Estonia, who snatch it late on

The San Marino Women’s Under-19 National Team made their debut this morning in Acquaviva against Estonia in qualifying for the UEFA Women’s Under-19 Championship. The Titane coached by Giacomo Piva held their own against the group’s top seeds, who clinched victory with a goal ten minutes from time.

The game started cagey, with Estonia looking to keep possession and the Titane defending diligently. The first threat came from Vinter’s side with a cross-shot from wide by Kudjavnina: Forcellini got a touch and then Benedettini cleared. San Marino began to gain confidence and rhythm, as shown by the excellent run from captain Benedettini, which forced Kiuru into the first booking of the match. From the resulting free kick – taken by Benedettini herself – the ball drifted well wide. San Marino continued to press and midway through the half Penserini also had a go – today the lone striker – with a good effort from distance that flew just over. Estonia replied shortly afterwards (25’) with a powerful run from Kudjavnina – a constant menace down San Marino’s left – whose shot struck the crossbar, and on the rebound Ränk failed to convert from point-blank range. The Estonia no. 7 was involved again on 35 minutes, running onto an incisive through ball from Saar and sending it just wide of Forcellini’s right-hand post, with the keeper well positioned to cover it. The Titane goalkeeper was crucial in preserving the deadlock a few minutes later (38’), beating away a thunderous strike from Kiuru after a dangerous turnover by the Biancazzurre in transition. With no stoppage time added, the sides went into the break at Acquaviva with the score still goalless.

At the start of the second half both coaches turned to their benches, with Piva bringing on Moroni for Lonfernini. Estonia continued to push after the restart, creating a new double chance: first the Titane’s defensive wall stood firm to block Kiuru’s effort in a crowded box, then the clearance fell to Ränk, who tried her luck from distance. The strike took on an almost wicked trajectory for Forcellini, clipping the top corner but staying out. A few minutes later, the woodwork again denied Estonia from a Kudjavnina break, though the move was marred by an earlier foul on Paone that the referee waved away. Time ticked by with the score still 0-0. Tiredness began to creep in, but the Titane dug deep. On 67 minutes San Marino earned a promising free kick on the edge of the final third; Paone’s delivery was dangerous but goalkeeper Körran was alert and claimed the ball. The goal that decided the contest arrived on 79 minutes: Ränk advanced into the final third and played a fine vertical ball for Kelli, the no. 10 showing composure and quality to round Forcellini before slotting into the empty net. There was still time, however, for San Marino to keep fighting to the very end: Penserini won a free kick in an excellent position, with Benedettini stepping up to strike it right-footed. Her powerful shot was on target and Körran managed to hold it, albeit not without a scare. Six minutes of added time were signalled by referee Kozoroh. In stoppage time Estonia carved out one more opportunity, with a double attempt from Haavistu, but on both occasions Forcellini was there to close the door and keep the scoreline as it was. Estonia therefore came out on top in Acquaviva, while in Dogana, in the group’s other fixture, Slovenia beat Cyprus 2-0. It is precisely Slovenia who will be the Titane’s next opponents, on Monday at 11:00 in Acquaviva.

UEFA Women’s Under-19 Championship qualifying | Estonia – San Marino 1-0

ESTONIA (3-4-3)

Körran, Smirnova (46’ Haavistu), Kiuru, Ilisson; Saar, Kelli, Pohlak (71’ Vapper), Kudjavnina (85’ Jürgens); Ränk, Valk (75’ Jotkina), Väärsi (46’ Gross)

Substitutes: Lelov, Heude, Scotti, Raaga

Head coach: Reivo Vinter

SAN MARINO (4-5-1)

Forcellini; Stifani, Paolini, Paone, Benedettini; Ragazzini (82’ Della Valle), Tamagnini (59’ Zammarchi), Balsimelli, Yazici, Lonfernini (46’ Moroni); Penserini

Substitutes: Mastronardi, Bonciucci, Carli, Terenzi

Coach: Giacomo Piva

Referee: Kristina Kozoroh (UKR)

Assistant referees: Iryna Chaika (UKR), Luis Acosta (AND)

Fourth official: Marta San Juan (AND)

Scorer: 79’ Kelli

Booked: Kiuru, Ränk, Traublum

Attendance: 50