Germany earn World Cup chance
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Article summary
Germany 3-2 Netherlands Striker Richard Sukuta-Pasu came off the bench to score twice and take Germany to this summer's FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Article body
Germany mounted a spirited second-half comeback to defeat the Netherlands in Vise and secure fifth position in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship and with it a place at the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Five-goal thriller
Paul Schomann's side took an 18th-minute lead through Toni Kroos, his third goal of these finals, only for strikes from Patrick van Aanolt and Marko Matic to turn the match in the Netherlands' favour before half-time. The Germany coach brought on Richard Sukuta-Pasu at the break, however, and was rewarded as the Bayer 04 Leverkusen forward levelled a minute past the hour. Extra-time seemed imminent, only for Sukuta-Pasu to head what proved to be the winner with four minutes remaining in this meeting of the third-placed teams in the two groups.
Bright start
Germany began brightly with Sascha Bigalke and Henning Sauerbier going close before their early enterprise brought reward midway through the opening period as FC Bayern München playmaker Kroos collected Bigalke's pass and produced a fine right-foot finish. The goal finally roused the Netherlands, and Nacer Barazite drew a fine save from Fabian Giefer close to the half-hour. Parity was not long in coming, though, Van Aanolt scoring from near the penalty spot in the 31st minute and the game changed course two minutes before the interval as Matic put the Dutch ahead with a cool right-foot effort from inside the area.
Sukuta-Pasu impact
Bigalke might have equalised before half-time only to blaze over when in front of goal, yet Germany again started the stronger in the second period and Sukuta-Pasu forced Sergio Padt into action within minutes of coming on. The substitute was not to be denied, however, and converted Sauerbier's right-wing centre a minute past the hour before crowning a fine comeback with the winner four minutes from time. Kroos turned provider this time, his left-wing cross finding the head of Sukuta-Pasu who made no mistake to send his side along with European semi-finalists England, Spain, Belgium and France to the World Cup in Korea Republic from 16 August until 9 September.
