Germany stifle Czech endeavour

Germany will take a two-goal lead into the second leg of their UEFA European Under-21 Championship play-off against the Czech Republic after riding their luck in Uherske Hradiste. Goals from Nando Rafael and Christian Schulz won the game for Germany, but the Czech Republic will be left wondering what might have been after squandering a number of presentable chances.

Rensing busy
The visitors were under pressure from the off, with Germany goalkeeper Michael Rensing having to deny Tomáš Jirsák in a one-on-one in the seventh minute after the FK Teplice midfielder was sent through by a pass from VfL Bochum's Filip Trojan. Then VfB Borussia Mönchengladbach's Václav Svěrkoš found himself in a good position but shot wide.

Rafael strikes
Germany punished their hosts with what was almost their first chance of the game after 35 minutes as Rafael, who has already scored three times for Hertha BSC Berlin this season, chased Stefan Kiessling's ball through the Czech defence to finish with a fierce shot from 14 metres which cannoned into Tomáš Grigar's goal off the underside of the crossbar.

Off the line
Rafael might have doubled his tally just after the interval, but Czech defender Josef Kaufman cleared his close-range effort off the line after Grigar misjudged David Odonkor's cross. It would have proved to be a vital interception had Czech defender Martin Latka not headed the ball straight into Rensing's arms when well placed after 66 minutes.

Headed finish
As it was, the 8,000 crowd were to see the home side fall further behind in the latter stages of the match as Schulz scored Germany's second goal with a header from a corner. The Germans now have a towering advantage as they look forward to Tuesday's second leg in Leverkusen.