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Özil proves key in Germany triumph

Germany 3-2 Russia
Germany, inspired by Mesut Özil, had to work hard to make a winning start to their campaign in Group B.

Germany had to work hard to make a winning start to the UEFA European Under-19 Championship with a 3-2 victory in Steyr against a Russia side that never gave up.

Close contest
Nils Petersen and Mesut Özil had put Germany into a commanding position with just 14 minutes played only for Artem Dzyuba to reduce the arrears as the hour approached. Russia then stepped up a gear looking for the equaliser only for substitute Max Kruse to restore Germany's two-goal advantage. Dzyuba, captaining his team, scored another late on but it was too little, too late for them to get a point in the Group B opener.

Quick start
Despite stifling temperatures, both teams started aggressively and were keen to show off their quick passing. Russia earned themselves a first chance with just 70 seconds gone as winger Ruslan Balov sprinted into the box with the ball under close control but the resulting shot was deflected wide at the last moment.

Surprise opener
Germany were to prove most dangerous on the counter and one such opportunity in the seventh minute resulted in a Manuel Konrad attempt that rattled against the post. Soon afterwards, Petersen was first to react when Sergey Borodin saved from Özil and he made no mistake to give his side the lead. Provider turned scorer three minutes later, finding the net from a cross supplied by Arne Feick.

Russia comeback
Enjoying a comfortable lead, Germany dropped back and began to rely on their strong defence. This gave Russia space to exploit and Aleksandr Salugin was proving particularly adept at driving at the heart of the opponents' rearguard. Several times such attacking led to Germany goalkeeper Martin Mannel having to save his side, but he was able to keep a clean sheet before the interval.

Goal back
After the break, Russia continued in the same vein and nearly scored when Dzyuba, who was leading the team instead of the suspended Sergei Golyatkin, fired in a fine volley on 56 minutes. Two minutes later, Dzyuba at last found the net, driving in from close range. It caused Germany to retreat even further and Russia looked certain to restore parity.

Surprise goal
However, Germany were back in command when, completely against the run of play, Kruse fired in in the 66th minute, just four minutes after entering the fray. The points were always beyond Russia from that point, although Dzyuba underlined his class with a late second for his side. They will hope for better on Wednesday against Serbia, themselves beaten today, while Germany will take on France on the same day.