Eilts expects more from Germany

Despite taking a 2-0 advantage into the home leg of their UEFA European Under-21 Championship play-off against the Czech Republic, Germany coach Dieter Eilts is far from pleased with his team.

Comfortable lead
The Germany coach should have every reason to be happy at the moment. The former Werder Bremen midfielder and German international is undefeated in his 13 games in charge and goals from Nando Rafael and Christian Schulz earned victory in Uherske Hradiste on Friday night to leave next summer's final tournament only 90 minutes away.

Eilts dissatisfaction
Despite overseeing that away victory, the EURO '96™ winner was extremely unhappy with his team's display, saying: "It was probably our worst performance since I took over. We have [goalkeeper] Michael Rensing to thank for keeping us in the game with some excellent saves. I want to see a much better display from the side in the return leg in Leverkusen."

Fortune favours Germany
Germany rode their luck for much of the first leg and were fortunate that the home side failed to find the back of the net despite creating a string of excellent chances. The German defence were under constant pressure for much of the first period until Rafael gave his side the lead ten minutes before half-time. The pattern continued after the break but once again Germany snatched a goal, Schulz finding the target with four minutes left to give his team a two-goal cushion.

Matip ambition
The 1. FC Köln defender Marvin Matip is also keen to see a better performance in Leverkusen, saying: "The Czech Republic were all over us in the first 30 minutes but the fact that we failed to crumble under the pressure shows the quality of the side. We were lucky but we know that we are in an excellent position now, although we have still got 90 minutes of hard work ahead of us."

Happy memories
Matip's optimism might also be based on Germany's excellent record at the BayArena. The U21s defeated Turkey in a play-off there two years ago, Hanno Balitsch's goal helping them through to a final tournament they would host. Matip, 20, is also relying on the team's collective will to shine through once again. "We all love playing for Germany and we are a very close unit," he said. "Our team spirit is probably our biggest strength. We aren't unbeaten in our last 13 games for no reason."