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Germany through to U19 finals

Germany have qualified for the UEFA European Under-19 Championship finals in the Czech Republic after a comfortable victory over Elite round Group 4 hosts Slovakia.

Early scare
Two points clear of Croatia and Slovakia at kick-off, Germany knew a win in Nitra would take them into July's finals but they were surprised after four minutes when the home side went ahead through Filip Serecin. However, Deniz Naki swiftly headed an equaliser and, on the quarter-hour, was brought down in the Slovakia box and Timo Gebhart put Germany ahead from the penalty spot.

Victory sealed
Manuel Fischer, joint-top scorer in the 2006 U17 finals, made it 3-1 just before the break and although Milos Supak pulled one back in the 55th minute, Germany earned another penalty with 20 minutes left, converted by Marcel Risse. Sven Bender put the result beyond doubt late on. Croatia's 2-0 defeat of Albania gave them second place ahead of Slovakia. Germany coach Horst Hrubesch said: "I am very satisfied, both with the result and with our qualification. But I wouldn't have chosen for it to be so exciting." His team will enter the draw in Prague on 1 June along with the Czech hosts, holders Spain, Hungary, Bulgaria and three countries to be decided.

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Fixtures & Results »
Elite round
22.05.2008 v Albania 2-0
24.05.2008 v Croatia 2-2
27.05.2008 v Slovakia 5-2

Standings »
Group 4 Pld W D L GF GA Pts
Germany 3 2 1 0 9 4 7
Croatia 3 1 2 0 5 3 5
Slovakia 3 0 2 1 5 8 2
Albania 3 0 1 2 2 6 1