Pressure on early in Group A

They may be the only previous winners competing in the 2007 UEFA European Under-17 Championship, but France face an early exit from Belgium if Group A results go against them on Friday.

Fans turn out
Les Mini-Bleus were beaten 2-0 by Spain on Wednesday, as were Ukraine by Germany in games which each attracted more than 2,000 spectators. Losses for France versus Germany and Ukraine against Spain would take the two victors into the semi-finals, and leave the defeated sides only able to make the fifth-place play-off for a FIFA U-17 World Cup slot. But France coach François Blaquart is optimistic about their chances in Eupen after his side put up a battling performance against Spain.

Optimistic
"I feel we can get a good result against Germany," Blaquart said. "Judging by our performance against Spain we have a chance, but you never know. I feel confident in my team and that we can get a good result, but it is a big question with this age group. I know that Germany are strong and what they are capable of but we have a good chance of three points."

German concern
Germany coach Paul Schomann is certainly wary of his opposition despite their dominant performance against Ukraine. "We have to improve against France as they have their backs against the wall after losing. It's very important to win again as the players are very happy after their win and I am very confident. Nothing is decided yet in the group as all teams are at a similar level and we will see this in the coming matches."

Ukraine duo back
Ukraine coach Yuriy Kalitvintsev conceded that his team were outplayed by Germany, but for the encounter with Spain in Vise will welcome back two vital players from suspension. "Unfortunately we didn't have Dmytro Korishko and Kyryl Petrov," Kalitvintsev said. "Petrov is our captain and leader, Korishko is our best forward. Our players respected the German team too much. We will try not to make the same mistakes."

Spanish balance
Spain proved a useful all-round side against Ukraine, the attacking thrust of Bojan Krkić, Fran Mérida and Isma López well balance by a backline that stood up well to a physically imposing French team. The return of defenders Nacho and Pichu from suspension further increases the options for coach Juan Santisteban. "The team is very balanced in general," he said. "We have 18 players and I count on playing everyone, there is little difference between them. We had two suspended players on Wednesday and I intend to use them - I want to give all our team space to breathe."

Bojan role
FC Barcelona forward Bojan, so much the centre of attention for Spain, was deployed as a lone striker against France but did not score, and Santisteban knows the other attackers need to give him more help. "He was left alone too much," the coach said. "He worked hard running alone, fighting the French defence, but he needed more support to have a better performance."