Three wins from three sees Zieler’s Germany march into the Euro U19 semis
Posted by nickogs20 on July 21, 2008
They’d already secured qualification from Group A but Ron-Robert Zieler’s Germany U19 side advanced to a semi-final date with the Czech Republic in style after overcoming Hungary 2-1 in Pribram.
Both nations were already sure of progressing so the only things at stake were top spot in the group and a 100% record, and perhaps wary of the fate that befell teams who rested their stars for the final group game when already qualified at Euro 2008, Germany made just the two changes, retaining RRZ in goal. Stefan Reinartz gave Germany a first-half lead, and although András Simon levelled things up with quarter of an hour to go with a powerful header past Zieler, the German lead was restored just two minutes later by Marcel Risse and Horst Hrubesch’s side held on for the win. The semi-final clash with the Czechs is next up on Wednesday evening in the city of Mestský.
One other piece of Euro U19’s news – England may have bowed out of the tournament yesterday but their (ultimately in vain) victory over Greece was enough to book them a place in next year’s FIFA Under-20 World Cup. The likes of Ben Amos, Danny Drinkwater and Danny Welbeck will all be strong contenders to make the squad for the tournament, which will be held in Egypt next September.
