MATOSINHOS (2015 FIBA U19 World Championship for Women) - Russia will head into the next edition of the FIBA U19 World Championship for Women on home soil with real momentum after landing their first gold medal at the U18 European Championship Women for a decade.

Last crowned champions at the event in 2004, Russia chose the perfect time to return to the top of the podium as MVP Daria Kolosovskaia fired them to a 57-53 success against France in the Final, with center Tatiana Sema joining her in the All-Tournament Team.

France had looked like they were on course for victory after Louise Dambach fired 16 points to give them an eight-point advantage early in the fourth quarter, but a late drought proved costly. The standout swingman did at least have the prestige of making the All-Tournament Team  as compensation.

Spain relinquished the title they won in 2013, but managed to at least take the bronze medal with a hard-fought 74-69 triumph against Serbia. And despite being toppled, they still look destined to be a threat in Russia next year with the likes of Laura Quevedo, Laia Flores and All-Tournament Team member Angela Salvadores on board. The latter was recently named MVP of the FIBA U17 World Championship for Women in Czech Republic.

Serbia may have missed out on the podium as they tried in vain to finish third for three years in a row, but can at least relish another outing at the FIBA U19 World Championship for Women.

It also means a potential second appearance for the stellar-talented Aleksandra Crvendakic, who played against opponents a couple of years older at the last edition and also made it into the All-Tournament Team in Matosinhos.

Arguably the most impressive accomplishment came from the Netherlands and their head coach Remy De Wit. He masterminded a pathway to Russia despite being without his kingpin and playmaker Laura Cornelius, who continues to recover from an ACL injury.

They had to play at their very best to prevail and clinch their coveted place with a 59-54 win against a crestfallen Italy who finished seventh and just missed out.

Much of the success for the Dutch was down to the prolific Fleur Kuijt and especially the dynamic Janis Ndiba who was outstanding in the paint as Netherlands booked a return, having featured in Lithuania last year.

Belgium grabbed the last available berth on offer with a crushing 60-26 victory against Croatia. They also beat their Dutch neighbours on the last day to take an impressive fifth place.

They will make their debut having only previously played on the global youth stage at the FIBA U17 and U21 World Championship for Women events, with head coach Arvid Diels having held the reigns at the latter in 2007.

The other available spots will be decided over the coming months at the remaining U18 continental championships.

FIBA