Defences on top in Dublin

Germany and Hungary made a steady start to UEFA European Under-19 Championship Elite round Group 1 with a goalless draw in their opening fixture in Dublin.

Solid defending
Clear chances were few and far between at the Carlisle Stadium with the two goalkeepers, Martin Mannel of Germany and Hungary's Bence Somodi, both dealing capably with anything the respective attacks could throw at them. It was Frank Engel's Germany side who came closest to taking all three points with ten minutes remaining as Jerome Boateng advanced from defence towards goal, but the full-back's shot from the edge of the area was just the wrong side of the post. Both sides will therefore have something to build on in their second fixtures on Wednesday, with Hungary playing Bulgaria and Germany taking on mini-tournament hosts the Republic of Ireland.