Spain and Germany drew a blank in their first game in UEFA European Under-21 Championship Group B with neither side able to make the breakthrough in Gothenburg.
With senior coach Joachim Löw looking on the team the German Youngsters were dominating their opponents but it was not enough to find a way through a Spain side who next play England in Gothenburg on Thursday.
Germany, who face Finland in Halmstad the same day, might have won it when Özil raced through in the final ten minutes but again the alert Keeper Asenjo was equal to the task, ensuring both teams would have to settle for a point.
UEFA European Under-21 Championship: Germany vs Spain
"We played much too passive at the beginning of the first half, which you cannot do against a team of this caliber. There was visible improvement in the second half. We did not convert our chances. Overall, I am satisfied with our performance", said German coach Horst Hrubesch following the game.
Team captain Sami Khedira of VfB Stuttgart added: "That was a game we could have won. We controlled the pace and the opponent and had major scoring opportunities. I feel confident that we will win the next opponents and qualify for the semifinal".
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Spain and Germany drew a blank in their first game in UEFA European Under-21 Championship Group B with neither side able to make the breakthrough in Gothenburg.
With senior coach Joachim Löw looking on the team the German Youngsters were dominating their opponents but it was not enough to find a way through a Spain side who next play England in Gothenburg on Thursday.
Germany, who face Finland in Halmstad the same day, might have won it when Özil raced through in the final ten minutes but again the alert Keeper Asenjo was equal to the task, ensuring both teams would have to settle for a point.
UEFA European Under-21 Championship: Germany vs Spain
"We played much too passive at the beginning of the first half, which you cannot do against a team of this caliber. There was visible improvement in the second half. We did not convert our chances. Overall, I am satisfied with our performance", said German coach Horst Hrubesch following the game.
Team captain Sami Khedira of VfB Stuttgart added: "That was a game we could have won. We controlled the pace and the opponent and had major scoring opportunities. I feel confident that we will win the next opponents and qualify for the semifinal".
