Moldova stun Germany

Germany missed out on the chance to take a significant step towards securing a play-off spot for the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship as they relinquished their unbeaten record in 2008 after going down 1-0 to Moldova in Tiraspol.

Own goal
Germany won the corresponding fixture 3-0 last October and were expected to overcome the loss of a number of regulars against the team sitting just a place off the foot of Group 9. The visitors enjoyed plenty of possession but were undone by a 15th-minute own goal, Hamburger SV's Dennis Aogo inadvertently chesting a cross from Artur Patras beyond his goalkeeper Florian Fromlowitz. Germany and Israel both have 13 points from six games but Dieter Eilts's side will top the section if they beat their main rivals in their concluding game in Duisburg on 9 September irrespective of what happens when they entertain Northern Ireland four days earlier.

'Disappointed'
Having suffered the shock of falling behind, Germany were fortunate not to concede a second goal in the 18th minute when Oleg Andronic spurned a clear chance. Indeed, Moldova goalkeeper Ilie Cebanu was given little cause for concern before the break. Things were different in the second, however, and Rouwen Hennings gave an indication of Germany's intent by going close on 52 minutes. Mats Hummels also passed up opportunities in the 64th and 78th minutes as Moldova stood firm, yet the BV Borussia Dortmund defender remains confident of topping the group. "Naturally we're disappointed but we can still finish first and reach the play-offs," he said.