Despite reaching the first UEFA European Under-19 Championship final in 2002, Germany have never lifted the trophy and will be keen to make amends in Austria this summer.
Scoring spree
Germany missed out on the finals a year ago and began their 2006/07 campaign at breakneck speed, scoring 12 goals in their first two fixtures in qualifying round Group 9. Estonia were overcome 7-2 in Alloa with Sebastian Tyrala and substitute Max Kruse both scoring twice and Manuel Fischer, Sergeo Evljuskin and Dennis Schmidt also finding the net. Frank Engel's players carried that form into their next fixture, against Bosnia-Herzegovina, who were beaten 5-0 thanks to second-half goals from Schmidt (2), Daniel Halfar, Mesut Özli and Kruse again. Although hosts Scotland then defeated Germany 1-0 to win the section, progress was already assured.
Nine men hold on
Drawn in Group 1 in the Elite round, in contrast to the opening stage Germany made a slow start to the section with a goalless draw against Hungary at the Carlisle Stadium, Dublin. Engel's side got back to winning ways in their second fixture, however, Anis Ben-Hatira opening the scoring against mini-tournament hosts the Republic of Ireland in the 17th minute and Germany held firm despite ending the match with nine men, Alexander Eberlein and the goalscorer both collecting red cards in the second half.
Bulgaria defeated
That meant three points in their final fixture, against Bulgaria at Belfield Park in Dublin, would guarantee first place in the section and qualification for the finals, and Germany duly obliged with a solid 2-0 win. Bayer 04 Leverkusen forward Schmidt opened the scoring in the 21st minute before Hamburger SV striker Sidney Sam added a second six minutes later. Germany will hope for more of the same at the final tournament in Austria.
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