Germany Under-21s have qualified for the Euro 2015 semi-finals after securing a 1-1 draw against hosts Czech Republic Under-21s in their Group A clash in Prague.
The game started brightly as both sides appeared intent to push forward and press their opponents, Jakub Brabec forcing a save from goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen just three minutes in.
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Germany countered with speed moments later and nearly struck first blood when Kevin Volland drifted a left-footed shot just wide of the far post.
Horst Hrubesch's charges began asserting themselves on the game and tested opposition goalkeeper Tomas Koubek in the 10th minute through Amin Younes's stinging drive.
The tournament hosts struggled as the Germans soon threatened at every opportunity, but a mistake from Ter Stegen nearly cost his side dearly just before the half-hour mark.
The Barcelona stopper miskicked a clearance, allowing Jan Kliment to set Martin Frydek up in a good position, but the Slovan Liberec defender curled his shot just wide of the far post.
Despite Germany's dominance throughout the first half, they failed to get onto the scoresheet come the break, but their perseverance paid off when Nico Schulz made the most of some sloppy defending to bear down on goal and poke the ball past Koubek for the lead.
The Nationalelf's lead didn't last long, however, as Ondrej Petrak powered down the right flank in the 66th minute and lashed a precise cross into the box, allowing Ladislav Krejci to fire home on the half-volley and level proceedings.
The goal invigorated the Czechs, as they knew that one more would have seen them progress to the semi-finals at the expense of the Germans.
Ultimately, however, Germany held on for the draw and qualified for the final four of the tournament, while Jakub Dovalil's charges walked off dejected knowing that they had been knocked out of a tournament on home soil at the first stage.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Spain U21s
