Germany convincingly saw off the Czech Republic to secure a 4-2 win and progression to the UEFA European U21 Championship quarter-final, earning redemption after their H2H defeat and early elimination in the last edition of this competition.
Germany completely dominated possession in the opening minutes, and Paul Nebel came agonisingly close to giving them the lead just three minutes into proceedings.
The Czechs soon showed intent of their own with Adam Karabec and Martin Suchomel seeing a shot apiece blocked. Antonio Di Salvo’s side continued to create in an action-packed but goalless opening quarter-hour as Nathaniel Brown’s shot was denied, Brajan Gruda fired a free-kick into the wall, and Nebel guided his first-time effort wide.
There was a bizarre moment where Nick Woltemade’s boot hit referee Alexis Herrera, before Noah Atubolu produced an eye-catching save to deny Patrik Vydra’s ambitious strike. Rocco Reitz then saw his shot blocked and Eric Martel fired off-target, before Germany took the lead in the 34th minute.
Nebel clipped a pass out to Nnamdi Collins, who worked enough space to play a ball across that Nicolo Tresoldi diverted into the net. They had another just seven minutes later when Woltemade saw off Stepan Chaloupek, selflessly laying the ball off for Nebel to apply a first-time finish.
Czech Republic - Germany statsFlashscore
Gruda hit the post moments before the break, and Jan Suchoparek responded with a double change before the restart. Even so, the Czechs conceded just eight minutes into the second half, as Woltemade rose to meet Reitz’s cross with a clinical header for his fourth of the competition, which already sees the Stuttgart striker outscore four previous golden boot winners.
Martel then added another just five minutes later by firing through Lukas Hornicek’s legs after the Czech goalkeeper had stopped Gruda’s venomous strike. The Czechs at least responded quickly with some help from Bright Arrey-Mbi, who turned Suchomel’s pass into his own net.
Five minutes later, Karel Spacil latched onto an unconvincing defensive header and sent his shot in off the post to restore some hope for the Czech Republic.
However, Vaclav Sejk couldn’t turn home Josef Koželuh’s inviting cross as Germany enjoyed a 17th consecutive contest unbeaten to earn their place in the quarter-final with a match to spare. In contrast, the Czech Republic’s fifth winless game in a row condemns them to an early exit.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Nick Woltemade (Germany)