Germany U21s 2 Czech Republic U21s 0: Max Meyer and Serge Gnabry strike to secure winning start
Former Arsenal and new Bayern Munich star on target as heavy favourites kick off with convincing victory
GERMANY kicked-off their European Under-21s Championship campaign with a 2-0 victory over Czech Republic on Sunday.
Schalke midfielder Max Meyer and former Arsenal man Serge Gnabry sealed the victory for Stefan Kuntz’s side in Poland.
The Germans are among the favourites to go all the way in Poland and their starting XI included five senior internationals.
Gnabry, who recently joined Bayern Munich, was amongst those along with captain Maximilian Arnold.
It was the former Gunner who had the first chance of the game as he fired wide of the mark just five minutes in.
Meyer then forced Lukas Zima into a save as they began to ramp up the pressure but they had to wait until just before the interval for the breakthrough to arrive.
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Meyer collected a pass on the left flank and cut inside, beating a defender before hitting a low strike towards the far corner.
The keeper should really have done better, but the ball snuck under his arm and into the net.
They doubled their advantage just five minutes after the restart to effectively end the contest.
And it was another mistake from Czech Republic that cost them dear.
Midfielder Michal Sacek looked to have things under control as he cut out a ball towards Gnabry.
However, instead of clearing his lines he attempted to take the ball inside his own area, but his touch sent it straight into the path of Gnabry – and the Bayern man duly accepted the gift and tucked home.
Germany remained in control and could have stretched their advantage further when Zima was called into action to deny Niklas Stark.
The Czech’s almost pulled one back themselves just before the hour mark when Patrik Schick fluffed his chance.
Having initially took too long over his chance and seeing his effort blocked, the loose ball came back to him but his finish was wide of the top corner.
GROUP C RESULTS AND FIXTURES
Sunday June 18 - Germany 2 Czech Republic 0
Sunday June 18 - Denamrk vs Italy
Wednesday June 21 - Czech Republic vs Italy
Wednesday June 21 - Germany vs Denmark
Saturday June 24 - Czech Republic vs Denmark
Saturday June 24 - Italy vs Germany
Despite an attempted late rally, Germany held firm to put themselves into the driving seat in Group C - although they will be kicking themselves for not adding to their total.
With just over five minutes remaining Davie Selke had the chance to make it three from the spot following a handball, but his penalty was saved by Zima.
They are next in action against Denmark Wednesday, while the Czech's square-off against Italy on the same day.