We're the underdogs - Stielike

Win or lose in Sunday's final against Spain this has already been a memorable UEFA European Under-19 Championship for Ulrich Stielike and his Germany side.

Considerable heart
Germany were not most people's favourites to win Group B, and when they trailed England 3-1 as their opening game went into the final minute of normal time it looked as though their campaign would get off to a shaky start. However Stielike's side demonstrated that they possessed considerable heart by conjuring two goals to snatch a draw and they have not looked back since.

Cool and composed
An impressive 3-0 victory against the Republic of Ireland was next, leaving Germany needing a win in their last game to assure them of a place in the final. Despite going behind against the Belgians, they never lost their cool or their composure and recovered to win 2-1. Next up then is the challenge of Spain, a country Stielike knows a considerable amount about having spent many of his best playing days with Real Madrid CF.

'I see Germany as outsiders'
Nevertheless, the Germany coach believes that his side will start the final as underdogs. "I see Germany as outsiders in the final," he said. "Spain have more playing power and have one resting day more than us." Stielike also admitted that the Belgium game had been tough. "It was very difficult for us, we played without accuracy and without confidence. I think the reason was the mental pressure on the players."

'We have reached all of our goals'
Stielike has rotated his squad skilfully in the tournament so far, but the demands on his young players have still been great. "It was our plan to use a rotation system so that we had fresh players for every group game," he said. "But the players did not look fresh [against Belgium]."

Step by step
"We wanted to take the tournament step by step the fist aim was to not to loser in the first game," he continued. "The second step was to qualify for the FIFA World Youth Championship in the second game. Then the third step was to reach the final. So we have reached all of our three goals for the tournament and must be pleased."

Rest needed
As for his side's preparations for the final, Stielike has just one thing in mind: "A lot of rest in order to be in shape for the game!"