UEFA Under 19 Football Championship Begins Today in Estonia
03 July 2012
This year's European Under 19 Football Championship is taking place in Estonia.The matches are to be held in the nation's capital Tallinn, the seaside town of Haapsalu, and the town of Rakvere in northern Estonia.
The eight countries to go head-to-head in the competition, which lasts through 15 July, are Estonia, Croatia, England, France, Greece, Portugal, Serbia and Spain.
In order to be made suitable for the event, the Haapsalu stadium, mostly used for track and field, had to undergo renovation to meet UEFA standards for its wardrobe, washing- and massage rooms. "The UEFA committee was pleased with our stadium, the grass cover was very good," said Veiko Pärnaste, senior specialist of the Haapsalu sports and youth work division. According to Pärnaste, organisers are expecting a full house – 1 500 spectators per game.
The first match held today at the Haapsalu Stadium will be between Greece and Spain. Also today the English and Croatian teams will take the pitch at the Kadrioru Stadium in Tallinn, Estonia will play Portugal in Tallinn's Lilleküla Stadium, and the Rakvere Stadium will host a game between Serbia and France.
Estonian Public Broadcasting
