CARDIFF, Wales (Interstat) — France U19 opened its UEFA Women’s Under-19 Championship qualification campaign with a 3-2 victory over Finland U19 on Saturday at Cardiff International Sports Stadium.

Finland’s Aada Mäkelä opened the scoring in the 28th minute, but France responded with two quick goals from Ornella Graziani and Almudena Sierra just after halftime to take a lead they would not relinquish. Sierra finished with a goal and an assist. Substitute Olivia Ulenius scored a late consolation goal for Finland. The result defied a pre-game projection that had favored a draw. France U19 begins the competition with a win, while Finland U19 starts with a loss.