Germany and the Netherlands resumed hostilities this evening in the European Under-21 Championship, with both sides playing in the tournament for the first time since last winning the competition.
A talented Dutch team started brightly and took the lead through Adam Maher, with a fine solo effort from Georgino Wijnaldum extending their advantage before the break.
Germany quickly responded as Sebastian Rudy reduced the deficit from the penalty spot early in the second half.
Late on Lewis Holtby's strike from range brought the two teams level, but soon after Leroy Fer's last-gasp header earned Holland a dramatic victory.
Look back at a fierce clash full of excitement with Sports Mole's minute-by-minute commentary below.
Evening European football fans. Thanks for joining Sports Mole tonight as our coverage of the European Under-21 Championship continues with a mouth-watering Group B clash between Holland and Germany.
Tonight's Group B opener is definitely the standout clash from the first round of fixtures in Israel. The Netherlands and Germany both possess strong squads full of experience at this level and will expect to challenge group favourites Spain for a place in the semi-finals. Germany have won 13 of their last 15 matches while Holland were unbeaten in qualifying, but something has to give this evening.
Holland have arguably the strongest squad at this tournament behind Spain, with a clutch of regulars at full international level forming the basis of a settled starting XI. Kevin Strootman has attracted interest from across Europe with his performances in midfield for PSV Eindhoven, while pacey forward Ola John has been a firm favourite in his first season with Benfica.
Germany's squad may not quite be at the level of their awesome all-conquering side of 2009, but they still possess enough talent to make a mark in their first tournament since that success four years ago. Spurs midfielder Lewis Holtby captains the latest batch of youngsters, while Sebastien Rode has regularly attracted rave reviews in the Bundesliga this season.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS! The only major injury doubt for either side, Holtby, has handed Germany a huge boost by making the starting XI tonight. The midfielder was a doubt to play this evening, but shrugs off a knock to play in central midfield. A full look at both lineups will follow in just a few moments.
NETHERLANDS: Zoet, Van Rhijn, De Vrij, Martins Indi, Blind, Strootman, Maher, Van Ginkel, Luuk de Jong, John, Wijnaldum
GERMANY: Leno, Jantschke, Thesker, Ginter, Sorg, Rudy, Rode, Holtby, Herrmann, Mlapa, Lasogga
Holland are able to name just about their strongest possible starting XI at this level, with De Jong and John starting in attack. AZ Alkmaar playmaker Adam Maher should start in a playmaker role just behind De Jong, with Strootman sitting slightly deeper in a withdrawn, anchor position.
Germany will be heavily reliant on Holtby for creative influence, but have goals in a variety of outlets across the pitch. Gladbach winger Patrick Herrmann has already played close to 100 times in the Bundesliga and has quickly forged a reputation as a goal-scoring midfielder.
PREDICTION! In this clash between traditionally fierce rivals I expect goals at both ends, but ultimately a Dutch success. The Oranje have senior experience in all areas and can triumph 3-1 with John and Maher to inspire Cor Pot's impressive side.
As both sides belt out their national anthems in a relatively full stadium, there is just time point out that Arsenal fans should keep a close eye on Germany number 13 Matthias Ginter. The 19-year-old Freiburg defender has been heavily linked with a £5m switch to the Emirates in recent days, and will start in central defence tonight.
Pre-match routines are just about finished, with Stroorman and Holtby exchanging pennants and pleasantries before we get underway as respective captains. Here we go for what promises to be a hard-fought encounter full of attacking intent.
Holland get this eagerly-anticipated Group B clash underway, shooting from right to left. The Dutch immediately settle into possession inside their own half, with goalkeeper Zoet eventually smashing clear under pressure.
Ola John gets his first chance to make an impact out wide, robbing possession on the left before having his cross deflected behind for the first corner kick. A fine cross towards the far post nearly picks out Van Ginkel, with the midfielder flashing his header wide under considerable pressure.
Another Dutch corner quickly follows, but this time giant goalkeeper Leno deals with the cross at the second time of asking. Germany look to spring forward on the counter through Holtby and Mlapa, but a deep cross has fat too much power to reach a late run from Lasogga. Play is then interrupted so Rudy can receive treatment after going down heavily under a sliding challenge from Strootman.
SAVE! A slick passing move from Holland creates the first clear-cut opportunity on the night. Strootman, John and De Jong were all involved to find Maher unmarked inside the penalty area. The playmaker elects to shoot first time but his curling drive is at a nice height for Leno, who parries with a reflex save from close range. A clear indication early on tonight the Dutch are a cohesive attacking unit.
Rudy returns to the pitch for Germany and his side win their first corner kick, but the cross is a huge disappointment and caught with ease by Zoet. A superb recovering tackle from Maher then wins possession for the Dutch, with Wijnaldum winning a free kick just inside the opposition half.
Germany are being overrun in wide areas, with Blind bombing on past John to create a dangerous opening on the left flank. His cross towards De Jong is cleared behind by a vital covering header from Jantschke. The following corner caught cleanly be Leno, who has been busy already this evening.
Holby tries his lucj with a strike from range, but a powerful strike is blocked to safety by Van Rhijn. Holland are dictating possession in the early stages, with Germany happy to sit and look to hit their opponents on the counter. Width is clearly key for the Dutch, with John and Wijnaldum driving forward at every possible opportunity.
John and Wijnaldum have swapped flanks after 18 minutes, with Germany taking advantage as Hermann comes within inches of meeting a curling cross from Jantschke, who drove forward to great effect from full back there.
SHOT! Germany look dangerous for the first time as Holtby roams forward, driving into the final third before picking out Lasogga with a precise pass. The forward is driven wide by his first touch but still gets a shot off, forcing Zoet to gather at his neat post with a low, powerful strike.
Holland look a little less assured in possession in the last five minutes, with some effective pressing higher up the pitch paying dividends for Germany. A strong run from Holtby wins his side a free kick, with the playmaker pulled back around 30 yards from goal.
A pretty woeful from delivery from Rudy lets Holland off the hook from the following free kick, with an aimless cross flying high over the crossbar. Van Rhijn then picks out John with a quite wonderful crossfield pass, with the ball travelling at least 30 yards. John drives forward to win a corner kick for the Oranje.
GOAL! Netherlands 1-0 Germany (Maher)
Holland have made the breakthrough with an unusual goal, scored by teenager Adam Maher. The playmaker reacted quickest to meet a swiftly-taken corner and decided to try his luck from just inside the penalty area. Germany were caught napping as a central strike seemed to swerve in the air, deceiving Leno to bounce beyond the diving keeper into the net. Germany had just enjoyed their best spell of the match, but fall behind to their fierce rivals here in Israel.
Germany threaten an instant response at the other end, with Herrmann drifting into space left by Blind out wide. With time to cross he sends a floated ball towards Lasogga, but a powerful effort is cleared strongly by a last-ditch interception from De Vrij.
A through ball of the highest order from Maher nearly extends Holland's advantage after a quick forward burst from the goalscorer. His clever pass found De Johg's diagonal run behind a static defence, but the striker was quickly closed down by Leno and had a low shot parried clear. Alarm bells are ringing here for Germany, who are being outnumbered consistently in central midfield.
John is penalised for a late push on Sorg, giving Germany the chance to cross from 30 yards. The free kick is disappointing and fails to beat the first defender, allowing Holland to break forward with pace and options. De Jong looks destined to meet a cross at the far post, but Jantschke's intervention sees the Oranje settle for a corner kick.
Germany clear the corner but are quickly back on the defensive as Wijnaldum and Maher exchange passes in the final third. De Jong then drops deep and tries to charge at his marker, with a pacy burst stopped abruptly by an important siding interception by Ginter.
GOAL! Netherlands 2-0 Germany (Wijnaldum)
After initial confusion Holland have extended their advantage before the break, courtesy of a fine individual effort from Wijnaldum. The winger cut inside and beat two defenders through sheer pace and power to drive towards the penalty area. His powerful strike from 18 yards looked to have been parried by Leno, but his save could only divert the ball just over the line. 2-0 Holland and its a lead they probably deserve given their dominance in the first period.
YELLOW CARD! A frustrated challenge from Thesker sees him collect the game's first caution. The forward was definitely late and cleaned out De Jong, fully meriting his early booking. Meanwhile Germany have been forced into an early change, with Volland coming on for the injured Mlapa.
Rudy is slightly fortunate to escape without a booking after cynically bringing down Maher out wide, with the playmaker looking to break into the final third. At the other end Lasoggahas a drive from just outside the penalty area blocked by De Vrij as Germany's frustrating first half continues.
Wijnaldum is again in the wars after going down heavily following an aerial tussle with Holtby. The winger is helped to his feet and thankfully for Holland looks fine to continue after a short delay.
HALF-TIME Netherlands 2-0 Germany
With the last action of the first period Holland very nearly put this match beyond doubt. Strootman released John out left, with thw winger cutting inside before firing a low effort just beyond Leno's near post. This has been a thoroughly impressive effort from the young Oranje so far this evening, easily the best we've seen in the tournament so far.
It has to be said that based on that first period there looks to be a serious gap in quality between the two sides on show. Germany have struggled to cope with the fluid, attacking style of their Dutch counterparts. Pace and width has been the key for Pot's side, with Maher very impressive in an advanced midfield role.
The unpredictable nature of John and Wijnaldum's play out wide has been a feature of Holland's play tonight, with Germany's full-back's regularly outnumbered and overwhelmed in that area. Leverkusen keeper Leno will be disappointed with his efforts on both goals, particularly with his failure to read the flight of Maher's opener.
If Germany are to salvage anything from their Group B opener we need to see a vast improvement in that second period. Holtby has shown flashes of quality in the final third but looks outnumbered, with the Spurs man isolated and well marked by a combination of Strootman and Van Ginkel.
Germany coach Adrion does have a number of options on the bench, with Bayern Munich youngster Can the most notable inclusion among the substitutes. Central defender Lasse Solbiech was also a surprise omission from the starting XI and may well feature after the interval.
PENALTY TO GERMANY! A rapid restart from Germany sees Volland pick out Holtby, and with the goal at his mercy the midfielder is brought down by Zoet. The chance for Germany to grab a lifeline very early in this second period.
GOAL! Netherlands 2-1 Germany (Rudy)
Under pressure Rudy slots a calm, composed penalty into the top corner with minimal fuss. An absolute gift for Germany, who have punished slack Dutch defending to reduce the deficit just minutes into the second period. A real test of Dutch character now to see how they respond to that surprise setback.
Holland have a quick penalty appeal of their own from the restart, but Wijnaldum is adjudged to have fouled Jantschke and not the other way around. I must also report that rather fortunately for the Dutch goalkeeper Zoet only received a caution for the challenge on Holtby, despite definitely denying a clear opportunity to strike at goal.
YELLOW CARD! After consultation from the extra official behind the goal Lasogga is booked for diving. The forward was involved in a very physical tussle with Martins Indi the striker appeared to have his shirt pulled, but then definitely went to ground in a theatrical attempt to win a penalty kick.
WIDE! Holland earn a corner kick and use the set piece to carve out their first meaningful moment of the second half. De Vrij was forward and reacted brilliantly to flick an instinctive header towards the far post. A floating ball took an age to drift just over the top corner as Leno breathes a sigh of relief in the German goal.
This match has opened up at both ends, with Germany next to burst forward in numbers on the counter. Holtby's quick forward pass found Herrmann, who in turn picked out Volland at the far post. The substitute chose to cut inside rather than shoot first time, with his eventual effort on goal blocked wide by a covering challenge from Martins Indi. Holland look worried defensively since the break and their narrow leads now seems a slender one.
After a frenetic spell Holland finally get the ball down, putting together a spell of sustained possession before Holtby's impressive interception on Wijnaldum. From a quick corner Holtby is then presented with the chance to shoot, but from inside the penalty area blasts wide. A player of his quality really should hit the target from that range, and the Spurs midfielder knows it!
SUBSTITUTION: Germany have made a second change which forces a reshuffle in attack. Midfielder Clemens has replaced Lasogga to make his Under-21 debut, with Volland pushed forward to lead the line ahead of Holtby.
OFF THE BAR! Germany are desperately unlucky not be level as Volland quickly takes advantage of his new forward role to make a chance out of nothing. His curling strike from 20 yards had Zoet beaten with ease, but a dipping drive came back off the woodwork before being cleared by a combination of Zoet and De Vrij. Holland are hanging on a touch as we enter the final third of the match.
Another sight of goal for the improved Germans, with substitute Clemens firing wide from a tight angle. Holland are being exploited in wide areas, with Blind and Van Rhijn exposed continually. Perhaps its time for Cot to make a change and shore things up at the back.
SUBSTITUTION: Unsurprisingly Holland decide to make a change, with Wijnaldum the first to be replaced by Jozefzoon. The winger appeared to be carrying an injury problem and has been withdrawn as a precaution.
CHANCE! Strootman's headed clearance repels another German wave of attack, with Holtby's curling cross into the penalty area knocked to safety. Holland are quick to break as Van Ginkel finds Jozefzoon, but the substitute decides to shoot early and has a chipped effort blocked by a smart stop from Leno. The Dutch possess pace on the break and will continue to pose a threat late into the match, particularly with fresh legs in wide areas.
Holland settle nerves with a neat spell of possession, with Volland eventually penalised for a late tackle on Martins Indi. Germany are quick to regain the ball and drive forward through Rode, but his chipped pass into the penalty area is rather aimless and allows Zoet to gather under little pressure.
Maher exchanges superbly with De Jong before attempting to switch play with a diagonal pass. The audacious effort with the outside of his right foot goes awry, but that is a clear indication of the playmaker's confidence this evening.
A vital interception from Zoet denies Herrmann a clean run at goal, just when the winger looked to have been played into space by a clever final pass from Holtby. Play is then stopped abruptly as Rode and De Vrij steam into a 50/50 challenge, with both men requiring treatment before quickly returning to the match.
Van Ginkel just puts too much on a pass into the final third meant for Maher, who was in space around 30 yards from goal. Germany then stride forward at the other end, with Zoet again off his line quickly to cut out a pass from Herrmann inside the penalty area.
SUBSTITUTION: A final throw off the dice for Germany, with defensive midfielder Rode swapped for tall striker Polter. That should see Germany go more direct in the closing stages in search of the equaliser.
GOAL! Netherlands 2-2 Germany (Holtby)
A truly excellent goal from Holtby has dragged Germany level, and after that spirited fightback they could go on and win this match in the final few minutes. The Spurs playmaker had space just outside the penalty area and quickly decided to shoot, measuring a fine strike just inside the bottom corner to give Zoet absolutely no chance. What a turnaround in this match and we are now level with time running out.
Chances at both ends in the dying minutes. First Holland go close as substitute Fer flashes a header just past the far post. Germany also went within inches of a late winner as Holtby's curling cross went beyond Zoet's goal without making contact with anyone in a packed penalty area. Still just about time for one of these sides to find a last-gaps winner as he head deep into stoppage time.
GOAL! Netherlands 3-2 Germany (Fer)
What drama late on in this topsy-turvy match, with Fer gliding into the penalty area late on to grab what will surely be a winning goal. Germany thought they had escaped as Jantschke blocked De Jong's powerful strike behind for a corner. From that set piece Van Ginkel's curling corner found Fer, who calmly sent a header into the top corner unmarked and under little pressure. Just over a minute of stoppage time still to be played but that strike will surely prove decisive.
A final chance goes begging for Germany as Volland just fails to make proper contact with a cross aimed into the penalty area.
FULL-TIME Netherlands 3-2 Germany
Well I promised goals in that match and Holland and Germany delivered, producing the best match of the tournament so far. A rousing comeback looked to have earned Germany a point, but Leroy Fer's header in stoppage time proved the difference as the Dutch shaded a five-goal thriller.
That defeat is cruel on Germany, and particularly for Lewis Holtby. The Spurs playmaker was quite outstanding and scored a superb equaliser late on, but still ended up on the losing side. Holland were ultimately rewarded for a potent first period, with Adam Maher particularly impressive during that spell.
Well that entertaining encounter ends the first round of matches at this year's European Under-21 Championship. Thanks for your time tonight and be sure to rejoin Sports Mole on Saturday when the tournament continues. Goodnight!
Written by
Liam Power
Liam Power
Spain U21s
