Late goals seal German progress

By Martin Harris at The Showgrounds

Despite a frantic effort from UEFA European Under-19 Championship hosts Northern Ireland, ten-man Germany secured the result they needed to reach the semi-finals thanks to Markus Steinhöfer and Denis Epstein's well-timed goals.

Germany through
With Group A leaders Serbia and Montenegro easing to a 3-0 victory in the other concluding game against Greece, Germany knew they could even afford to lose by a two-goal margin in Ballymena. In the event, the three points they secured ensured they finished second and earned a Tuesday meeting with Group B winners France.

Three-goal win needed
Northern Ireland had lost the previous matches 1-0 to Greece and the Serbo-Montenegrins, and knowing they needed a three-goal victory attacked from the start. Jonny Steele came closest to breaking the deadlock in the first 45 minutes, but flashed a shot wide from near the penalty spot with the goal at his mercy.

Steele denied
But Germany, who followed a 4-2 loss against Serbia and Montenegro with a 3-0 success versus Greece on Wednesday, held out until half-time. Early in the second half, Kansas City Comets forward Steele headed just wide as Northern Ireland sought to capitalise on their dominance.

Kukukovic off
Fine saves from German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer denied Kyle McVey, Kieran McKenna and David Buchanan as the patten continued. Home hopes received a boost in the 79th minute when Mustafa Kukukovic was dismissed for an off the ball incident, leaving the Hamburger SV striker suspended for the semi-final on Tuesday.

Clinical finishes
However, six minutes later Steinhöfer tapped in at the far post when the ball was played across from the left after Epstein and Florian Müller had combined to prise open the Irish defence. Then with a minute left Germany broke and Müller clipped the ball to Epstein, who shot into an empty net. Northern Ireland finally got the goal their efforts had warranted a minute into added time as Thomas Stewart struck a deserved consolation from Steele's corner, rifling in from the edge of the penalty area.

First point
Germany, finalists in 2002, finished three points ahead of third-placed Greece. Northern Ireland ended last, and were unlucky not to receive the reward of their first-ever U19 finals point today, but can take some consolation from three battling displays that are a huge credit to coach Mal Donaghy and his players.