Germany through as Stendera sinks Iceland

Germany progressed to the semi-finals of the UEFA European Under-17 Championship as winners of Group A after securing their second 1-0 victory in the section.

France's second draw of the competition in the early game against Georgia had left the door ajar for Germany to qualify with a match to spare and Stefan Böger's men seized the opportunity. Marc Stendera's sweet first-half strike was enough to quell an Iceland side that were second best for much of the contest in Ljubljana.

Germany had squeezed past Georgia 1-0 in their opening game, with coach Böger citing nervousness for his side's lack of fluidity. They showed little trepidation on their second appearance at the ŠRC Stožice, however, pressing Iceland high up the pitch and quickly assuming the upper hand. Their matchday one game-winner, Max Meyer, was first to test Iceland's fortitude, Ósvald Traustason heading away the midfielder's shot.

The breakthrough arrived after 20 minutes, when Jeremy Dudziak intercepted an Iceland clearance and fired a pass into the feet of Stendera, who made space by turning inside Hjörtur Hermannsson before driving his finish high across Fannar Hafsteinsson. The Iceland goalkeeper had more success with two further threats to his goal, repelling Said Benkarit's shot with his knees before holding a curling Meyer effort.

Iceland had come from two down to draw with France in their opening encounter and they again offered more creativity after the resumption here, Oliver Sigurjónsson's free-kick from 40 metres quickly testing Oliver Schnitzler before substitute Stefán Thór Pálsson volleyed just wide.

Böger's charges continued to rule the roost, however they could not put the result beyond doubt. Dudziak should have doubled their advantage after an exchange of passes with Benkarit – Hafsteinsson's outstretched boot intervening – while Max Dittgen headed into the side netting with the goal gaping.

Further frustration followed when Orri Sigurdur Ómarsson produced a sensational double goal-line clearance to baffle Benkarit and Dittgen, but Iceland could not capitalise at the other end and must make amends against Georgia on Thursday to join Germany in the last four.