Denmark's victory against Serbia meant that Jakub Dovalil's side needed a win in Prague to progress from the group stage but Ladislav Krejci's equaliser was not enough
Germany Under-21s edged out hosts Czech Republicto qualify from the group stage of the Under-21s European Championship with a 1-1 draw that saw them finish second behind Denmark.
Nico Schulz made the breakthrough for Germany just after half-time but Ladislav Krejci finished against the run of play 10 minutes later to set up an exciting finale - but the home side could not find the quality to force their way through despite loud crowd support.
Czech Republic were willing to soak up German pressure in the early stages and it came close to backfiring on them after 10 minutes when sustained possession from their opponents allowed Amin Younes to get a shot away, though goalkeeper Tomas Koubek thrust out a hand in time to stop it.
That, however, was the climax of Germany's early push and the game settled into more of an even tussle as the first half wore on.
The Czechs nearly had the ball in the net midway through the half as they looked to capitalise upon a poor clearance by Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Jan Kliment, fresh from a hat-trick last time out, pulled back the ball through Jaromir Zmrhal’s dummy but Martin Frydek curled an effort slightly wide of the post.
Kevin Volland remained a threat for Germany and he drove a low shot not far wide as Germany took their next turn in the ascendancy, while Schulz drove into the centre of the area shortly afterwards before shooting straight at Koubek.
With Denmark leading Serbia in the group's other game, Czech Republic knew that they needed to make something happen after the break and they nearly did so right away. From a corner, Frydek swung in a cross to be met by the head of Jakub Brabec – but Julian Korb was in position to clear off the line.
Then, moments later, Jiri Skalak snuck through the defence to meet a low pass by Ter Stegen's right-hand post but prodded it wide, the hosts turning up the pressure.
But that was turned on its head in the 55th minute whenSchulz pushed forward and took advantage of Tomas Kalas's awful clearance to stretch past his marker and prod past Koubek.
With Czech Republic now needing two goals to progress from the group, Germany had more freedom, with Emre Can starting to drive forward from midfield with more intent. The Liverpool man flashed at goal twice in quick succession as his side looked to assert their domination – but his failure to score would soon be rued.
Having just come on as a substitute, Krejci picked up on a pacey cross from the right flank to finish past Ter Stegen on the half-volley, causing an eruption among the home support.
The Czechs could not capitalise upon their breakthrough, however, and it was Germany who had the better half-chances as they saw out the draw that put them through on five points to their opponents' four.
Nico Schulz made the breakthrough for Germany just after half-time but Ladislav Krejci finished against the run of play 10 minutes later to set up an exciting finale - but the home side could not find the quality to force their way through despite loud crowd support.
Czech Republic were willing to soak up German pressure in the early stages and it came close to backfiring on them after 10 minutes when sustained possession from their opponents allowed Amin Younes to get a shot away, though goalkeeper Tomas Koubek thrust out a hand in time to stop it.
That, however, was the climax of Germany's early push and the game settled into more of an even tussle as the first half wore on.
The Czechs nearly had the ball in the net midway through the half as they looked to capitalise upon a poor clearance by Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Jan Kliment, fresh from a hat-trick last time out, pulled back the ball through Jaromir Zmrhal’s dummy but Martin Frydek curled an effort slightly wide of the post.
Kevin Volland remained a threat for Germany and he drove a low shot not far wide as Germany took their next turn in the ascendancy, while Schulz drove into the centre of the area shortly afterwards before shooting straight at Koubek.
With Denmark leading Serbia in the group's other game, Czech Republic knew that they needed to make something happen after the break and they nearly did so right away. From a corner, Frydek swung in a cross to be met by the head of Jakub Brabec – but Julian Korb was in position to clear off the line.
Then, moments later, Jiri Skalak snuck through the defence to meet a low pass by Ter Stegen's right-hand post but prodded it wide, the hosts turning up the pressure.
But that was turned on its head in the 55th minute whenSchulz pushed forward and took advantage of Tomas Kalas's awful clearance to stretch past his marker and prod past Koubek.
With Czech Republic now needing two goals to progress from the group, Germany had more freedom, with Emre Can starting to drive forward from midfield with more intent. The Liverpool man flashed at goal twice in quick succession as his side looked to assert their domination – but his failure to score would soon be rued.
Having just come on as a substitute, Krejci picked up on a pacey cross from the right flank to finish past Ter Stegen on the half-volley, causing an eruption among the home support.
The Czechs could not capitalise upon their breakthrough, however, and it was Germany who had the better half-chances as they saw out the draw that put them through on five points to their opponents' four.
No comments:
Post a Comment