Germany's football success this year just continues:
UEFA u-19 Champions Germany
Germany 1 Portugal 0 this morning:
Germany come top in UEFA qualifying for New Zealand 2015.
http://www.uefa.com/under19/index.html
"German football success has continued with its U-19 side finishing top of the UEFA qualifying tournament for next year's FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand.
After three rounds of qualifying, involving 53 teams and 135 games, Germany came out on top with a 1-0 win over Portugal in the final match in Hungary. Hany Mukhtar's 39th-minute goal proved enough to settle a tight final and earn Germany a title to add to the one they won in 2008.
The victorious Germans will be joined in New Zealand by Portugal, Serbia, Ukraine, Hungary and Austria.
As shown in the Brazil World Cup, such is the depth and quality of European football that there were several high profile casualties over the course of the qualifying competition, including traditional powerhouses Italy, Netherlands, Spain and England.
Reigning UEFA U-19 Champions Serbia were unable to successfully defend their title, losing their semi-final to Portugal on penalties, but coach Veljko Panuvic said that qualifying for the FIFA U-20 World Cup was the main focus for his team. "That was our primary objective. This is a first in the history of this national team. It is a big deal for us, and we've done something historic."
MATCH REPORT:
http://www.uefa.com/under19/season=2014/matches/ro...
Mukhtar (39 min.) rewards Germany's first-half pressure
• Title for Marcus Sorg's team adds to 2008 triumph
• Second final defeat for PortugalGermany were on top for the majority of the first half in Budapest and finally made the decisive breakthrough with six minutes of the opening period remaining, Hany Mukhtar bundling in. Both teams had chances but Portugal struggled to unpick a well-drilled defence, some committed late blocks ensuring the trophy went back to Germany for the first time since 2008.
Having made something of a specialty of early goals in this tournament it was little surprise to see Germany on the front foot from the first whistle, Marc Stendera twice going close before seven minutes had been played....