Beck predicts final to remember

Germany match-winner Andreas Beck predicted "a match of giants" as he looked ahead to Monday's UEFA European Under-21 Championship final against England having hit the only goal of the semi-final victory over Italy.

Terrific goal
Beck scored a brilliant individual effort three minutes after the interval, dashing forward down the right before unleashing a 30-metre strike beyond Andrea Consigli and in at the far post. With Germany's defence again proving watertight, it was enough to secure a place in Monday's final at the Malmö New Stadium, where Beck anticipated an exciting sequel to the finalists' 1-1 Group B draw.

'Classic'
"This fixture has been a classic in the past and we're really looking forward to it," he told uefa.com. "In the group stage it wasn't a great game, but they had changed their starting eleven completely and for us a draw was enough. This final will be a completely open game. The English have a few suspended players, but we don't really care about that. We want to focus on our team and will go into the match fully confident we can win. They'll have different players but we've scouted them and know their strengths and weaknesses. It'll be a classic."

'Special feeling'
Beck's goal was just the fourth of his career and he admitted being taken slightly by surprise that the opportunity had come his way. "It is not usual for me to have the chance to shoot and to dribble to the edge of the area," the TSG 1899 Hoffenheim defender said. "As nobody challenged me, I started to think what I should do and I took the shot. When I saw the ball go in, it felt great. The whole day has been unbelievable," added the 22-year-old, who has been capped three times at senior level. "We started very confidently and continued to be as strong defensively as we've been all tournament. That's what our success has been built on. In the second half we came out and were more dangerous going forward, creating a few chances. It was a very special feeling to get the goal. It made the win even better."

'Focus'
He went on: "The Italians played very well. They tried to attack, but we did what we have done all tournament – stayed solid in defence, helped by a great keeper in Manuel Neuer. Italy were very strong at set-pieces but, in the end, our defence prevailed over a great attack. This will remain a very special moment in my career and I'm really enjoying it. But tomorrow everything starts from scratch and we have to focus on the final against England. We absolutely want to win that game."