Mérida sends Spain into finals again

Fran Mérida's penalty midway through the second half took Spain into the UEFA European Under-19 Championship finals at the expense of holders Germany.

Decisive win
The four-time winners began the day level on six points with Germany at the top of Group 7, although a superior goal difference meant Luis Milla's side needed only a draw in Tallinn to progress. Germany started brighter, however, Spain goalkeeper David De Gea making fine stops from Toni Kroos and Sebastian Rudy inside the first half-hour, while Lewis Holtby headed over from a Kroos free-kick. Jordi Pablo and Mérida went close at the other end before Mérida won and converted the 65th-minute penalty which sent his side into this summer's final tournament in Ukraine, the excellent De Gea denying Germany even the consolation of a draw with a fine stop from Rudy's free-kick in added time.

Spain delight
Milla was delighted with his side's performance throughout the mini-tournament, saying: "I am very happy with the work done by my players. We prepared ourselves for wins in all three matches and thought only about victory even today." Germany counterpart Heiko Herrlich bemoaned the holders' inability to take their chances. "We are down but it's not a disaster. We were the better side today creating five opportunities to Spain's one. I am proud of my lads as they fought until the end – they will recover from this."