Germany see off Serbia challenge

Germany booked a UEFA European Under-19 Championship semi-final meeting with Greece as they came from behind to defeat Serbia 3-2 in a pulsating encounter in Pasching and secure first place in Group B.

Frantic finale
Four points from their opening two matches against France and Russia had left Frank Engel's side requiring just a draw to progress from a tight section but goals from Anis Ben-Hatira and Max Kruse at the start and end of the second half cancelled out Serbia captain Miloš Bosančić's early effort. Although Arne Feick's own goal restored parity two minutes into added time, Sidney Sam struck a minute later to ensure Germany would take their place in Tuesday's semi-finals and left their opponents in third position in the section.

Enforced changes
Both sides made one change to their starting lineups, with Kim Falkenberg replacing the injured Daniel Schwaab on Germany's right flank and Serbia centre-back Miloš Karišik coming in for the injured Ljubomir Fejsa. Zvonko Zivković's side knew only a win would do and they made the perfect start in the second minute when Bosančić fired in at the near post from the edge of the area, giving goalkeeper Martin Männel no chance. The goal stung Germany into action but they lacked much of the attacking impetus that had run France ragged in the first half of their encounter on Wednesday evening.

Tyrala close
The impressive Mesut Özil, already with two finals goals to his name, was Germany's main creative force in the opening period but it was Sebastian Tyrala who went closest, hitting the post in the tenth minute before seeing his goal-bound header cleared off the line just past the half-hour. Engel brought on the more attack-minded Kruse, a goalscorer in Germany's victory against Russia, in place of central midfielder Christian Sauter at half-time and Germany's new shape brought an equaliser within eight minutes as Falkenberg broke down the right and crossed for Ben-Hatira to cleverly hook in at the far post.

Kruse missile
Bosančić drove a spectacular strike just wide and Zivković threw on the highly-rated Fejsa in a bid to regain the initiative but it was Germany who stole in front with six minutes remaining when Tyrala's superb jinking run and pass found Kruse on hand to blast in from inside the penalty area. There was still time for Feick to head over his own goalkeeper before Sam scored Germany's third with the last kick of the game to seal maximum points and start their celebrations.