The Germany U21 team have one foot in the 2015 UEFA European Under-21 Championship finals, which will be held in the Czech Republic (17th-30th June 2015). Horst Hrubesch’s team beat Ukraine 3-0 in the first leg of the play-off against Ukraine, which was hosted in Tscherkassy. The second leg takes place in Essen on Tuesday (18:00 CEST).
Hrubesch made seven changes to the side that beat Romania 8-0 in Germany’s previous match. Marc-André ter Stegen replaced Timo Horn in goal. Julian Korb came in at left back for Danny da Costa. Captain Kevin Volland returned to the squad in attacking midfield. He replaced Amin Younes. In holding midfield, Johannes Geis replaced the injured Emre Can.
Ukraine made the better start
Ukraine raced out of the blocks and created two good challenges in the opening exchanges. Vladyslav Kulach missed a presentable chance from close range (6’) and a minute later Vladyslav Kalitsvintsev couldn’t hit the back of the net from 16m.
After overcoming the early difficulties, the Germany side grew into the game and began to dominate, but without creating any chances. Just after the half an hour mark Germany won a corner but couldn’t create a goalscoring opportunity. Shortly after this they took the lead. After good work from Moritz Leitner, Jonas Hofmann crossed for namesake Philipp to head home (35’).
Volland settled the game
The second half echoed the first. Ukraine played passionately but couldn’t create any chances. In the 61st minute Germany executed the perfect counter-attack. Substitute Max Meyer played a through ball to Volland who finished with aplomb. Keeper Maxym Koval didn’t stand a chance.
Germany countered impressively again in the 79th minute and once again Meyer was the provider. His cross set-up Jonas Hofmann who scored from close range. Volland nearly scored his brace a few minutes later with a stunning shot from long range. A minute later Jonas Hofmann missed a presentable opportunity in front of goal. The scoreline remained unaltered until full-time meaning Germany take a 3-0 lead into the second leg.