Germany fight back to foil Croatia
Saturday, May 24, 2008
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Croatia 2-2 Germany
After conceding two goals at the start of the second half, Germany fought back to remain on top of Group 4.
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Croatia had to settle for a point in their UEFA European Under-19 Elite round tie against Germany after giving away a two-goal lead.
Second-half strikes
The 2-2 draw leaves Germany top of Group 4 with four points from two games while Croatia move alongside second-placed Slovakia after drawing both their games. After an even first half in the Slovakian city of Nitra, the Croatians went in front after 52 minutes when Matija Smerkar won a penalty and Igor Prijic converted from the spot. Smrekar doubled the lead just seven minutes later with a great solo effort to seemingly decide the game.
Comeback
Ivan Grnja's team then missed a couple of chances to put the outcome beyond doubt and were made to pay dearly by Germany. Timo Gebhart got one back in the 64th minute and then the same player completed the comeback five minutes from time converting from the spot after Domagoj Vida handled in the penalty area. "It was a hard match against very strong opponents," said Grnja. "We managed to play at a high level for an hour, but later my players tired. It is a good result, but we are sorry to miss a chance to win."