Budapest (AFP)
Already victorious in 2017 and finalist in 2019, Germany won the Euro-Espoirs football on Sunday and confirmed that it was one of the best nations among young people by beating Portugal (1-0), which is still waiting for its part a first title.
The Germans, who were playing their third consecutive final and had already won in the event in 2009 and 2017, won thanks to a goal from Lukas Nmecha in the 48th minute.
In 2019, in the previous edition, they were beaten in the final by Spain.
Portugal for its part is still waiting for a first title at Euro-Espoirs and has now lost three finals, in 1994, 2015 and 2021.
The first period was balanced between the two teams, with two good chances for Portugal, each time signed Tiago Tomas, to which Germany responded with a big strike from Maier and, above all, a deflected shot from the youngster (18 years old). ) and talented Wirtz, who hit Diogo Costa's crossbar.
Dazzling in the semi-finals against the Netherlands (2-1), Wirtz was less visible Sunday in Ljubljana (Slovenia) and left the lead to Nmecha.
The Anderlecht striker, on loan from Manchester City, scored the only goal of the game after an impeccable serve from Baku.
After the opening of the German scoring, Portugal pushed but without really finding very dangerous situations.
On the contrary, it was the Germans who could have killed the match when Adeyemi found himself face to face with Diogo Costo after a superb individual action (72nd).
The Portuguese goalkeeper emerged victorious from the duel, but that was not enough for his team, which therefore did not join Selection A, European champions for at least a few more days.
© 2021 AFP