The Germany U21 side drew with Euro 2015 hosts the Czech Republic in their final match of the year. An under-strength side was selected for the match by Horst Hrubesch; Germany came from behind to claim a 1-1 draw in Prague. The draw ends a sequence of five consecutive victories for the U21s.
Moritz Leitner (62’), who play for VfB Stuttgart, rescued a draw for Germany, who had fallen behind in the 20th minute thanks to Michal Krmencik’s goal. The Czech Republic are in Germany’s group for next year’s tournament and won the title themselves in 2002 so this was a tough test for Hrubesch’s men. The game took place in front of 2,000 spectators in the Eden Arena, which will host the final of the Championship. Germany showed some uncharacteristic weakness defensively in the first half.
Czech Republic make the most of poor concentration
“With joy amongst friends” was the message on the Czech Republic players’ shirts during the game, which was played in torrential rain in Prague. It was a lively affair in the opening half, with the hosts taking the lead with 20 minutes on the clock. A lack of concentration amongst the Germany backline was taken advantage of by Krmencik. His shot gave Timo Horn (1. FC Köln) no chance. Horn replaced Marc-André ter Stegen (FC Barcelona) between the sticks for the game.
The Czech Republic pressed Germany well and they were the stronger of the two sides in the first half. Schalke’s Max Meyer had a shot in the 32nd minute, but it was Germany’s only chance to equalise in the first period.
Germany press for victory
Hrubesch made three changes at the break, which included a debut for Mainz 05 goalkeeper Loris Karius. As the game progressed Germany grew into the game and started to create chances of their own. Amin Younes (59’) came to close to equalising, before Philipp Hofmann hit the post three minutes later (Both 1. FC Kaiserslautern). Germany didn’t have to wait long to equalise, however, as Leitner converted a cross from Christian Günter (SC Freiburg). The game ended with Germany pressing for victory; Philipp Hofmann came closest to winning the game with three minutes left on the clock.
Ahead of the European Championship, which takes place in June 2015, Germany play two more tricky friendlies: On 27th March they host Italy in Paderborn, before travelling to Middlesbrough to face England four days later.
The Germany U21 side drew with Euro 2015 hosts the Czech Republic in their final match of the year. An under-strength side was selected for the match by Horst Hrubesch; Germany came from behind to claim a 1-1 draw in Prague. The draw ends a sequence of five consecutive victories for the U21s.
Moritz Leitner (62’), who play for VfB Stuttgart, rescued a draw for Germany, who had fallen behind in the 20th minute thanks to Michal Krmencik’s goal. The Czech Republic are in Germany’s group for next year’s tournament and won the title themselves in 2002 so this was a tough test for Hrubesch’s men. The game took place in front of 2,000 spectators in the Eden Arena, which will host the final of the Championship. Germany showed some uncharacteristic weakness defensively in the first half.
Czech Republic make the most of poor concentration
“With joy amongst friends” was the message on the Czech Republic players’ shirts during the game, which was played in torrential rain in Prague. It was a lively affair in the opening half, with the hosts taking the lead with 20 minutes on the clock. A lack of concentration amongst the Germany backline was taken advantage of by Krmencik. His shot gave Timo Horn (1. FC Köln) no chance. Horn replaced Marc-André ter Stegen (FC Barcelona) between the sticks for the game.
The Czech Republic pressed Germany well and they were the stronger of the two sides in the first half. Schalke’s Max Meyer had a shot in the 32nd minute, but it was Germany’s only chance to equalise in the first period.
Germany press for victory
Hrubesch made three changes at the break, which included a debut for Mainz 05 goalkeeper Loris Karius. As the game progressed Germany grew into the game and started to create chances of their own. Amin Younes (59’) came to close to equalising, before Philipp Hofmann hit the post three minutes later (Both 1. FC Kaiserslautern). Germany didn’t have to wait long to equalise, however, as Leitner converted a cross from Christian Günter (SC Freiburg). The game ended with Germany pressing for victory; Philipp Hofmann came closest to winning the game with three minutes left on the clock.
Ahead of the European Championship, which takes place in June 2015, Germany play two more tricky friendlies: On 27th March they host Italy in Paderborn, before travelling to Middlesbrough to face England four days later.
