Germany's U21s close in on 2015 Euros
September 6, 2014
A 2-0 win against Ireland secured Germany early passage to the playoffs after topping Group 6 with 17 points. Horst Hrubesch's team are one step closer to qualifying for the 2015 European championships after the win in the eastern city of Halle, near Leipzig.
In front of around 4,000 fans, two goals from two Hofmann's secured victory for Hrubesch's men. Philipp Hofmann, striker for 1. FC Kaiserslautern, opened the scoring before Jonas Hofmann, on loan at Mainz from Borussia Dortmund, made sure of the result just three minutes later. Germany will face Romania, second in the group, on Tuesday in Magdeburg. In October, seven play-off games will take place to decide who will take part in the 2015 European championships in the Czech Republic.
Plenty of changes
After a six month break, Hrubesch naturally selected a different squad. Nevertheless, eight members of the starting eleven from the previous friendly (a 2-0 defeat to Spain) were in the starting line-up against Ireland. Cologne's Timo Horn was in goal, while left back Christian Günter made his debut. Captain Kevin Volland, goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Bernd Leno, as well as World Cup winners Shkodran Mustafi and Matthias Ginter were all unavailable. Former Bundesliga talent Emre Can was involved though and started, surprisingly, in the centre back position.
Despite the changes, Germany made sure Ireland knew who the favorites were. Captain for the day Moritz Leitner created good chances for Germany, who won the away fixture 4-0, but Leonardo Bittencourt and Philipp Hofmann both failed to convert them. Ireland, second from bottom in Group 6, battled hard but posed little threat in attack. Mason Watkins and Jack Connors had the two best chances, but couldn't take them.
Decisive double
A quickfire double after the break decided the game for Hrubesch's men. Philipp Hofmann headed home a Julian Korb cross to open the scoring, before substitute Jonas Hofmann fired into the far corner three minutes later. Philipp Hofmann's goal marks an impressive record for the second-division striker, who has scored in five of the last six qualifiers. Germany missed chances late on, but had done enough for victory.
ck/jh (dpa, SID)