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The historical gap between the two sides before kick-off was clearly reflected on the pitch in Zenica. Germany, six-time champions of the category, gave no chance to the debutants and hosts Bosnia and Herzegovina, sealing a comprehensive 0-5 victory to open the UEFA Women’s Under-19 Championship 2026.
Although Melanie Behringer’s squad went into the break with only a narrow lead, Germany’s physical and tactical superiority eventually unleashed a flurry of goals in the second half.
Rintzner unlocks the game in the first half
The match began as expected, with Germany monopolising possession and Bosnia defending deep in a compact block to protect Golubović’s goal. The hosts fought bravely in the early stages, nullifying Germany’s depth on the wings.
Behringer was forced to make an early substitution due to an injury to Zoe Schick. Paula Rintzner came on, and she would prove to be the key to unlocking the game. In the 36th minute, Rintzner capitalised on a loose ball in the Bosnian area to beat the goalkeeper and make it 0-1 at half-time. Bosnia had done half the job, but the physical toll would start to show.
Sträßer leads the second-half surge
After the restart, Germany stepped up the tempo to prevent any hopes of a Bosnian comeback. In the 49th minute, Felicia Sträßer found a gap in the local defence to make it 0-2. Just eight minutes later, in the 57th minute, Sträßer completed her brace with a clinical finish to make it 0-3 and put the game beyond doubt.
With the result secured, Bosnia tried to push forward but struggled against a dominant Germany in transition. Emma Memminger joined the scoring in the 71st minute to make it 0-4. In stoppage time (90’+5), Lany Bäcker wrapped up the scoring to seal the final 0-5.
Germany earn their first three points and take the provisional lead in Group A, showing their championship credentials from day one. Bosnia, meanwhile, take home the pride of their historic debut and turn their focus to the crucial matchday 2.
Match details
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Bosnia and Herzegovina (0): Golubović; Mešan, Mirković, Maslać, Milićević; Abdukić, Rankić; Jurić, Hadžihajdarević, Mujdžić; Marković.
Coach: Jelena Milović. -
Germany (5): Krumme; Müller, Zähringer, Maas; Eggert, Gmeineder, Schneider, Sträßer; Portella, Börner, Rintzner (Schick, 20’).
Coach: Melanie Behringer. -
Goals: 0-1 Rintzner (36’), 0-2 Sträßer (49’), 0-3 Sträßer (57’), 0-4 Memminger (71’), 0-5 Bäcker (90’+5).
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Venue: Training Centre FFBH, Zenica.
