Mitchell Weiser's looping first-half header proved to be the difference as Germany won their second U21 European Championship over tournament favourites Spain. The 23-year-old Hertha Berlin full back connected with Jeremy Toljan's cross in the 40th minute directing the ball over Spain's Arrizabalaga to secure the German's first victory in the competition since 2009.
Led by captain Gerard Delofeu, who was re-signed by Barcelona earlier in the week, Spain entered the game as heavy favorites to take home Spain's fifth Euro 21 Championship. From the start, however, they never looked like the team that had been easily outclassing opposing teams earlier in the tournament. Players like Marco Asensio, Saul Ninguez, and Gerard Delofeu who had drawn acclaim for their shining performances up to this point failed to make their presence felt against a methodical German side. Betis midfielder Dani Ceballos was one of the few bright spots for the Spanish side but even he failed to make the most of the few opportunities that fell his way.
To suggest Spain underperformed wouldn't be inaccurate but it also takes nothing away from Germany's performance which was clinical and well-orchestrated from the start. Despite Spain finishing the game with 60% of the possession, the German full-backs dominated Spain's wingers, Spain rarely looked like scoring, and midfielders Gnabry, Meyer, and Arnold seemed to always be in the right place at the right time to break up Spain's attacking moves and facilitate counter-attacks.
Inaki Williams came on late for Spain and provided an attacking spark but ultimately Germany rarely looked troubled as they shut down shop allowing very few chances as the game came to an end.
Picture Credit: ©Sportsfile http://www.uefa.com/under21/news/newsid=2483081.html