Yesil header takes Germany past Romania

Samed Yesil's header two minutes into the second half was enough to send Germany into the UEFA European Under-17 Championship semi-finals at Romania's expense.

Steffen Freund's side were bottom of Group B at kick-off but this victory, coupled with the Czech Republic's goalless draw against section winners the Netherlands, ensured Germany finished second and set up a tie with Denmark in Novi Sad on Thursday, for which Yesil and three others are suspended. Romania ended up fourth on their finals debut and, unlike Germany, will not travel to the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Mexico next month.

Germany, whose campaign was salvaged by a last-gasp Yesil equaliser against the Czech Republic here three days ago, lost playmaker Levent Aycicek in the warm-up so Sven Mende stepped in. They still had Yesil, however, and it took five Romania defenders to stop him after a mazy run into the box.

A dangerous Okan Aydin free-kick beat the grasp of Juventus goalkeeper Constantin Brănescu but the diving Koray Günter headed over. Not long after Brănescu ran from goal to make a vital tackle on Yesil. Chances were few for Romania but just before the break Steliano Filip turned in the box and forced a low save from Odisseas Vlachodimos. However, Fabian Schnellhardt went even closer, rattling the post.

Two minutes into the second half, though, Germany did make the breakthrough as Aydin's corner was headed in by Yesil, scoring in his seventh straight U17 Championship game. Shortly afterwards he was denied when Brănescu dived at his feet.

Unsurprisingly, Romania now started to press but there were few openings; indeed, the best chance came to Mende, saved by Brănescu. The 2009 champions can now look forward to meeting Denmark, a game for which defenders Mitchell Weiser and Nico Perrey and winger Schnellhardt will also be suspended after second finals bookings.