Semi-final reached after cliffhanger

Berlin – Measured joy: the Germany U21 team booked their place in the semi-final of the U21 European Championship tournament in Poland despite losing 1-0 to their Italian counterparts yesterday evening. Had Italy's margin of victory been greater, Germany would have been eliminated from the tournament. "We're happy that we're in the semis. It was a tough game and Italy's opening goal didn't help our game," said Davie Selke after the match.

After the two sides exchanged blows in the opening part of the match, Federico Bernadeschi put Italy into the lead in the 30th minute and it proved to be enough to get them the victory. After opening wins against the Czech Republic (2-0) and Denmark (3-0), Germany had done enough to secure a semi-final spot. "It was a learning experience and I think that we'll play better and more calmly next time," said the Germany U21 head coach Stefan Kuntz.

Tough Italians

The Italians were clever and fustrated the German XI. Luckily, Hertha's Niklas Stark didn't pick up a yellow card in the match and will be available for the semi-final. Selke created a chance for Weiser in the 58th minute, but the Hertha man was unable to finish. The Germans made numerous mistakes whilst trying to build from the back during the closing period. The Italians kept working their way into the German penalty area with good passing and individual skill and Germany were unable to find an equaliser.

However, the Germans are now just one win away from the final. "If you're in the semi, then you want to reach the final," said vice-captain Stark. The semi-final against England will be played on Tuesday Tychy.