U17 officials take 'big step'

The UEFA European Under-17 Championship final will take place between Germany and the Netherlands on Monday morning at Stadion Magdeburg and the match officials are just as excited about the showpiece event as the players.

'Really excited'
The four-man team is made up of referee Vladislav Bezborodov, assistant referees Jonas Turunen and Haralds Gudermanis plus fourth official Paweł Gil. For Turunen, the final is a new level he cannot wait to experience: "I'm really excited," the 31-year-old said. "It's a really big thing for me and as a Finnish referee I feel like I am representing all officials from Finland. I think Haralds as a Latvian feels the same. I'm very proud."

'Big step'
Russian Bezborodov, 36, was picked as the final referee after impressing in two group games: Spain versus Italy and Netherlands against Germany. He hopes the game will mark him down as an official who can thrive on the big occasion. "No doubt it is a big step," he said. "Perhaps it will seem a small step in a few years but for each of us it is very important and we're so happy to be at this tournament and especially in the final. It is something new, a new line to cross – it's a big achievement."

Overall experience
Although the officials were particularly pleased to be selected for the final, all four said that the tournament as a whole was a fantastic experience. Gudermanis added: "It was a great atmosphere with all the guys. Everybody agrees that it's been a great pleasure to be here. No doubt it is a big step for me as an assistant referee." Fourth official Gil, who like Bezborodov also refereed two games in the group stage, said: "I am really happy that I can meet so many referees from other countries we can change our experiences from our leagues. It's a special moment when the anthems are being played before the games as it's an honour to referee during national team games."

Great atmosphere
They also agreed that all the officials in the tournament had helped make it such an enriching experience. Turunen said: "The atmosphere among the referees has been very good. We have been very well taken care of and, as a four, we want to send our best regards to the whole team; it has been a great team that were here we've made friends all around Europe." The final word, like the final whistle will be tomorrow, was left to Bezborodov. "Everyone has been very helpful – all the UEFA officials, the committee members, the psychological preparation guys – it's been a team effort."