Into the semifinal as group runners up: The Germany U21national team have achieved their first goal of the European Championship by qualifying for next summer’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. In the final game of the group stage, Germany drew 1-1 with hosts Czech Republic to ensure passage into the semifinals, albeit as runners up behind Denmark.
The last time a German team featured at a the Olympics was 27 years ago at the games in Seoul, South Korea. Back then, Germany won a bronze medal after beating Italy 3-0. On Tuesday it was Hertha BSC’s Nico Schulz (55th) who put Germany into the lead, before Ladislav Krejci equalised for the Czech’s eleven minutes later. Horst Hrubesch’s side will face the winner of Group B, one of Portugal, England or Sweden, in their semifinal on Saturday. The last time the Germany U21s reached the semi-final stage was six years ago, when Horst Hrubesch led Mesut Özil and Co. to the title.
Hrubesch made one change to his starting line up from the team that beat Denmark 3-0 on Saturday – Leonardo Bittencourt starting on the bench, with Christian Günter returning from suspension to regain his place in the team at right back.
The DFB team were concentrated from the start and did not seemed fazed by 18,068 spectators watching at the Eden Aréna in Prague. Captain Kevin Volland had an early chance, but was unable to get his shot on target. Shortly afterwards, Amin Younes tested the Czech goalkeeper Tomáš Koubek, but to little effect.
Both teams understood the huge importance of the game, with both a semifinal place and qualification to the Olympics at stake. Under particular pressure as the group’s third-placed side, the Czech Republic looked nervous on the big stage and gave several chances away early on, though Germany were able to capitalise initially. The only exception came midway through the half after some sloppy play down the left resulted in Martin Frýdek being given space to shoot from 18 yards out, though his effort flew just over Marc-André ter Stegen’s goal.
After the break, the tension increased dramatically with both sides desperate for a goal. The Czech Republic applied more pressure and created their first good chances. Ter Stegen was beaten by Jakub Brabec’s header on goal, but Julian Korb was able to clear the ball off the line (48th). Seconds later, Jiri Skalak fired just wide of the goal. Despite the Czech’s enjoying a good passage of play, it was Germany who took the lead midway through the half when Schulz slotted a low shot past Koubek from inside the box.
Germany had two quick chances to double the lead immediately after: Emre with both attempts, once hitting a shot wide, before forcing a save from keeper Koubek with the second (56th and 58th). It should have wrapped it up and the Czech Republic would go on to punish Germany. Ondrej Petrák found substitute Krejci in the box with a perfect cross and it was a simple finish past ter Stegen to make it 1-1.
The hosts continued to push for the winner, but Germany resisted their attack and themselves pushed for a second goal. In the manic final moments of the match, both teams had chances to win the game, but ultimately it was Germany who were celebrating at the final whistle.
