Germany Win Under-19 European Championship

Not one month after World Cup victory, the Germans are celebrating another title that bodes well for the prospects of the national team. Germany have won the under-19 European Championship.



The summer of success continues for Germany, who beat Portugal 1-0 on Thursday in the European Championship final in Budapest. Hertha Berlin midfielder Hany Mukhtar was the difference in a match that, while close, was often in Germany's favor.



Marcus Sorg's youngsters had plenty opportunities to go ahead early on, but it took until the 39th minute to get on the scoresheet. But this time it wasn't tournament leading scorer Davie Selke of Werder Bremen, but Mukhtar who was first to meet Marc Stendera's cross into the box.



Mukhtar fought past his defender and stuck out a leg, managing to redirect the ball into the net with his shin.



The second half required defensive heroics around the hour mark for Germany to keep their cleansheet. Portugal were unlucky not to equalize after a barrage of shots were blocked by goalkeeper Oliver Schnitzler and Joshua Kimmich.



Germany produced some of their best opportunities late on in the match, particularly from Bayer Leverkusen's Julian Brand, but it finished 1-0.



The victory gives Germany their second ever under-19 European Championship title after their triumph in 2008. That tournament six years ago also marked the last time the Germans had qualified for the competition until 2014.