Dutch downed in Germany

Germany were commanding winners against the Netherlands in their Under-21 fixture tonight but it was a disappointing night for one German as Rainer Bonhoff's Scotland went down against Belgium.

Kuranyi double
The young Germans triumphed 4-1 against the Dutch in front of 3,000 people with VfB Stuttgart forward Kevin Kuranyi scoring twice early on to put the home side in control. He found the net in the 12th and 16th minutes, with both goals provided by Markus Feulner.

Robben consolation
It was Kuranyi's turn to play provider in the 39th minute when he supplied Udinese Calcio's Giuseppe Gemiti to volley in the third. The Dutch reduced the deficit a minute later through Arjen Robben but a decisive first-half display was sealed by Germany's fourth just before the interval from captain Thomas Hizlsperger, of English club Aston Villa FC.

Molhoek off
There was still time before the half-time whistle for the Netherlands' Rogier Molhoek to be sent off, leaving the visitors with an uphill task in the second half. However, there was to be no further scoring despite a succession of chances as coach Jürgen Kohler used all his substitutes in his first home match in charge of the U21 side.

Belgium on top
For Bonhof, Kohler's compatriot, it was not such a successful evening. The Scotland U21 coach saw his team lose 2-0 against Belgium at the Stade Edmond Machtens after they spurned a host of chances.

Exciting opening
Belgium almost took the lead in the eleventh minute. Stein Huysegems found Kevin Vanbeuren on the right, but he drilled his right-foot shot just wide. That seemed to wake up the visitors and two minutes later Scotland should have gone in front through Celtic FC striker Shaun Maloney. Simon Lynch's high ball into the box broke to the youngster, but he was unable to find any power and Cliff Mardulier had the easiest of saves to make.

Snelders seals it
Belgium punished Scotland in the 25th minute after Chris Doig slipped, allowing KRC Genk's Thomas Chatelle through on goal from Karel Geraerts' pass and he rounded Derek Soutar to slide the ball into an empty net. Sotland paid the ultimate price for their lack of a killer touch with three minutes remaining as Kristof Snelders, of KFC Germinal Beerschot Antwerpen, had the easiest of tap-ins from Davy de Beule's centre.

French on top 
Elsewhere it was a good night for the French, who overcame Yugoslavia 3-0 in Le Havre. The goals came from Habib Bamogo, Rod Fanni and Gaël Givet.