Germany Under-19s qualify for European Championship

Germany's Under-19 team secured their place at this summer's European Championship with a 3-2 victory over Austria in a qualifier. The win, which came in a topsy-turvy encounter, booked Germany's spot in the eight-team finals in Wales.

Otto Stange was the star of the show for Germany, scoring twice in the first half to put his side in control. The Hamburg striker opened the scoring with a powerful strike from a difficult angle, before doubling his and Germany's tally just after the half-hour mark, turning in a shot from Francis Onyeka. Onyeka, the top scorer in the qualification campaign, then added a third goal just before half-time, notching his eighth goal of the campaign.

Austria, to their credit, fought back. Ensar Music pulled a goal back before the interval to make it 3-1. After the break, Germany, managed by Christian Wörns, dominated the second half. Stange was thwarted in his quest for a hat-trick, being denied by both the woodwork and Austria's goalkeeper, Christian Zawieschitzky. A late goal from substitute Aleksandar Djordjevic for Austria in the dying moments made for a nervy finish, but Germany held on for a 3-2 win to seal their qualification.

The result means Germany, the six-time champions, will be one of the eight teams competing for the trophy in Wales this summer. The tournament will be held from June 28th to July 11th. Germany were knocked out in the semi-finals of last year's competition by eventual winners Spain.