Holders humbled by gritty Germany

Spain suffered their first competitive defeat for more than three years as their bid for a third consecutive UEFA European Under-19 Championship title started with a loss against an impressive Germany side in Plzen.

Unbeaten streak
Horst Hrubesch's side claimed a deserved three Group A points at the Struncovy Sady Stadion thanks to goals early in each half from Richard Sukuta-Pasu and Ömer Toprak. Jordi Alba pulled one back midway through the second period but Spain were unable to prevent a first U19 level setback in 23 matches, an unbeaten run stretching back to April 2005.

Early opener
Germany took the lead with their first meaningful attack in the seventh minute. Gebhart shrugged off the attentions of Mikel Sanjosé and slipped a pass through for Sukuta-Pasu to finish with aplomb across goalkeeper David de Gea. A second goal nearly followed as a free-kick found Sven Bender ten metres out but he failed to make sufficient contact with his head and Spain were able to scramble clear.

German solidity
Hrubesch has said his team's formation needed to be flexible before the tournament but its rigidity was its strength while, in contrast, Emilio Nsue cut a lonely figure up front as Spain found little space to exploit with Germany's counterattacking style the more productive. Ginés Meléndez's side worked positions for a number of crosses but the deliveries amounted to little until moments before the interval when Daniel Parejo – scorer of the only goal in last year's final – headed down for another 2007 survivor, Aarón Ñíguez, to volley over. Daniel Aquino's low cross then found Jordi Alba, only for the midfielder to scuff his effort at Ron-Robert Zieler from close range.

Toprak header
Sukuta-Pasu spurned a chance shortly after the break as he pounced on hesitancy in the Spain defence only to poke the ball too far past Zieler with an empty net awaiting for greater composure. Germany did not have time to rue that profligacy, however, as Gebhart's outswinging corner was met by Toprak and his header flew into the corner with De Gea caught out of position. Spain's response was instant with Ñíguez firing over while De Gea thrust out a foot to thwart Marcel Risse. Alba did reduce the arrears as he burst down the left and drilled across Zieler but Germany weathered the late pressure to earn a welcome win and leave Spain in the unfamiliar position of playing catch-up in their second game, against Hungary on Thursday. Germany next face Bulgaria.