Germany find their feet

By Andrew Haslam at Mourneview Park

Germany found the perfect response to their opening-day defeat in the UEFA European Under-19 Championship finals, Florian Müller, Eugen Polanski and, spectacularly, Kevin-Prince Boateng earning a impressive Group A success against Greece in Lurgan.

Clinical display
Uli Stielike's side had let slip a two-goal lead in their 4-2 loss to Serbia and Montenegro on Monday, but recovered from that disappointment in style, looking sharp and dangerous from the off. They now go into their final group game against hosts Northern Ireland on Saturday in good heart. Greece, meanwhile, also won their first match, overcoming the Northern Irish, but rarely threatened a solid German defence and must hope to bounce back against the Serbo-Montenegrins.

One change apiece
Despite voicing concerns over their players' physical condition after Monday's matches, both coaches made only one change, Pascal Bieler returning after suspension while Vassilis Sachinidis's introduction gave Greece an extra attacker. Nevertheless, it was Germany who carved out the first genuine sight of goal, Boateng curling over.

Müller delight
Alexandros Kasmeridis was then called into action for the first time, diving to push away Polanski's free-kick, but the Greek goalkeeper was powerless to prevent Germany taking a 16th-minute lead. Müller latched on to Stephan Schröck's right-wing cross and rode the challenge of Euripidis-Grigorios Makos to drive in.

Important intervention
Greece tried to raise their game, with Lazaros Christodopoulos, Antonis Petropoulos twice and Makos all trying their luck, but Germany largely dictated the pace of the match. Kasmeridis came to Greece's rescue again as Theodoros Tripotseris's slip left Ashkan Dejagah clear, the goalkeeper palming away from the feet of the German forward.

Stunning effort
Müller then fired wide as Germany turned the screw, but a second goal was not long in coming, Dejagah's left-wing free-kick picking out captain Polanski, whose volley crept into the far corner. Any lingering hopes Greece had of a comeback were ended two minutes into the second period as a loose ball fell to Boateng inside the centre circle. The German midfield player lashed goalwards, his fine strike catching Kasmeridis off his line and sailing into the net.

German dominance
German celebrations were somewhat curtailed as Schröck was carried off on a stretcher having been injured in the build-up to the goal but, unfazed, Stielike's side remained in complete command throughout the second half. Serbia and Montenegro's win against Northern Ireland tonight leaves them three points clear in the standings, and means both Germany and Greece have to win on Saturday to make sure of progress.