Paulina Quaye missed out on reaching the UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship final after the Netherlands lost 4-3 to Spain on Thursday.

The Ajax player saw her side take the lead twice but eventually fell behind in the seven-goal thriller.

The game sprang into life in the 22nd minute when Dutch captain Michelle Hendriks laid back to Suzanne Admiraal outside the box and her long shot gave Amaia Peña no chance.

Almost immediately, Spain skipper Sandra Hernández equalized with an outrageous free-kick from at least 30 metres out, and Quaye in goal did well to keep them level at the break.

The Netherlands pushed forward in the second half and just before the hour a free-kick from Jill Roord, who played in the 2014 final win against Spain, eluded the grasp of Amaia Peña.

However, Sandra soon levelled again, turning in a centre from Andrea Sánchez, who five minutes later sent in a corner headed home by Marta Cazalla.

Sandra's hat-trick was soon complete from distance and although Hendriks pulled one back with six minutes left, Spain held on.