Draw keeps Germany in check

Germany and the Czech Republic remain in control of UEFA European Under-17 Championship Group B despite playing out a stalemate in Grevenmacher.

Prize on offer
The 1-1 draw between Belgium and Serbia and Montenegro in the early game had ensured that these two Matchday 1 winners both knew that three more points would take them through. But although Germany pushed hard, hit the crossbar and had a goal disallowed, they could not make their superiority count.

Czech changes
While the German side was unchanged from the 4-0 win against Belgium, there were two new Czech starters compared to the 2-1 victory versus Serbia and Montenegro, as promised by coach Jakub Dovalil. Defender Lukáš Vácha was back from suspension and midfielder Martin Zeman, a half-time introduction on Wednesday, also came in. A torrential downpour had left the pitch greasy, and Germany looked the far more comfortable. They dominated the first half-hour, forcing a succession of corners, from which David Vrzogic caused the Czech defence real concerns.

Marin effort
Once the 30-minute mark arrived the Czechs began to settle, but as the rain eased the best chance of the half arrived for Germany three minutes from the break, Marko Marin shooting just wide. Dovalil made a half-time change in midfield, introducing Ivan Lacko for Petr Wojnar. However, Germany continued their dominance. Marin sent in a low cross from the right, and it was a brave Czech goalkeeper Marek Štech that dived at the feet of Manuel Fischer. Moments later another Marin centre was met acrobatically by Fischer, his overhead shot rattling the crossbar.

Zeman close
Germany upped the pressure, delighting the fans who had made the short trip across the border to swell the crowd to nearly 1,500. However, their hearts were in their mouths when the impressive Zeman curled a free-kick not far off target. Mario Vrancic had been sent on by German coach Bernd Stöber to refresh their left side, and seemed certain to score on 66 minutes but Štech pulled off a great point-blank save.

Goal disallowed
Then another close call; Marin made a mazy run and played the ball through for Fischer to fire in, but the assistant referee's flag was raised for offside. A Christopher Schorch header was saved and substitute Sebastian Huke also went close, but Germany, like the Czechs, must still avoid defeat in Monday's concluding group games to reach the semi-finals.