Germany Under-21s suffer shock defeat to Czech Republic ahead of vital game against England as Martin Vitik scores late winner… as Italy beat Switzerland in five-goal thriller
- Germany under-21 lost a shock defeat to the Czech Republic after a late goal
- The Germans then face England U21 and are now desperate for a win
- Italy and Switzerland played a five-goal thriller, with Wilfried Gnonto scoring
Germany’s Under-21s suffered a shock defeat to the Czech Republic ahead of their clash with England, while Italy and Switzerland engaged in a five-goal thriller.
The Germans provided a strong starting line-up including Josha Vagnoman, Tom Krauss, Luca Netz and Kevin Shade.
However, their team fell to a surprise defeat to the Czech Republic, which comfortably dispatched England in the first game.
Vaclav Sejk opened the scoring in the 33rd minute and the Czech side took the lead at half-time before Angelo Stiller equalized with half an hour left.
Despite their dominance, Germany could not find a winner and Sparta Prague defender Martin Vitik scored a late winner for the Czech Republic.
Angelo Stiller equalized after Vaclav Sejk gave the Czech Republic the lead
A late winner from Martin Vitik saw the Czech Republic U21 get away with all three points
Elsewhere, Italy U21 defeated Switzerland U21 in a five-goal thriller as Fabiano Parisi scored early
Germany will face England next and will have it all to qualify for the group stage.
As for Italy, they were involved in a tense encounter against Switzerland, as no fewer than five goals were scored.
Lorenzo Pirola got the Italians off to a fine start, scoring after just six minutes before Leeds’ Wilfried Gnonto doubled their lead on 11 minutes.
It was soon 3-0 as Empoli’s Fabiano Parisi scored just before half time to give Italy a comfortable lead.
However, they almost let it slip in the second half after Young Boys’ Kastriot Imeri pulled one back just two minutes into the restart.
Basel midfielder Zeki Amdouni made it 3-2 as things got nervous for Italy, who made a host of changes to hold on to their lead and come away with victory.