Germany juggernaut rolls on

A first-half Manuel Fischer hat-trick and a strike from substitute Stefan Reinartz ensured Germany made light work of qualifying for the UEFA European Under-17 Championship semi-finals as Group B winners, waltzing past Serbia and Montenegro to earn a match against Russia.

Serbo-Montenegrins out
Germany needed a point to make sure of progressing, but it was clear from the outset that all three were in their grasp, and Fischer ends the group stage as joint top scorer in the finals. The Czech Republic's victory against Belgium means Serbia and Montenegro exit the competition, with Germany topping the Czechs on goal difference.

Marin rampant
Mario Vrancic was given his first start of the tournament in the Germany midfield in place of Timo Gebhart, while Slavko Lukić and the last-minute equalising hero against Belgium, Darko Karadžić, substitutes for Zarija Peličić and Veljko Vuković three days ago, replaced that duo in the Serbo-Montenegrin lineup. From the start, though, it was clear that Sasa Medin's team would be relying on the Belgians to do them a favour as the Germans dominated in all areas, with winger Marko Marin especially rampant.

Fischer on fire
Six minutes was all it took for Fischer to strike his first, collecting a ball over the top and showing good skill before beating goalkeeper Marko Knežević. The VfB Stuttgart striker went close again on 18 minutes as Knežević stopped his powerful header. Five minutes later it was 2-0, Fischer lobbing Knežević after pouncing on a defensive slip.

Hat-trick sealed
Serbia and Montenegro now had to push hard, and the talented Stefan Jovetić forced Manchester United FC goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler, yet to be beaten in these finals, to make a great save just before the half-hour. However, Fischer completed his hat-trick three minutes from the interval, heading in a David Vrzogic cross. News that the Czechs were winning was not good for Serbia and Montenegro, and four minutes into the second period Karadžić, who had put a shot just past the far post at the end of the opening half, repeated the trick. A long-range Rajko Brežančić free-kick then curled only just over.

Victory sealed
In fact, most of the chances were going Serbia and Montenegro's way; but then came the fourth goal. A fine passing combination ended with Christopher Schorch sending through the only recently-introduced Reinartz, who coolly slipped the ball past Knežević. Marin then danced clear but Knežević denied the winger as he shaped to shoot. It was all Germany now and a Fischer shot just clipped the crossbar among a host of late chances. Germany's free-scoring unbeaten season continues for a 14th game.