Kohr in European Championships final

There was no holding back in the end: After the outstanding keeper Julian Pollersbeck saved England’s final penalty the Germany U21s ran to celebrate with the keeper and he ended up submerged in a joyous scrum. That included Dominik Kohr, who came off the bench on 102 minutes to make his tournament debut at the U21 European Championships. After the 4-3 win on penalties (2-2 after extra time) against England, Germany are now through to the final against Spain on Friday (20.00 CET).

Goalkeeper Pollersbeck played a major part in reaching the final with two penalty saves. “We wanted the people in Germany to be proud of the team,” said Germany coach Stefan Kuntz after the shoot-out against England and he is already looking forward to the final against Spain on Friday night after they beat Italy 3-1 in the other semi-final: “When you get to the final you want to win it.”

Germany missed a number of good chances during the 120 minutes. Davie Selke headed Germany into the lead on 35 minutes before England hit back with goals on 41 and 50 minutes. Substitute Felix Platte equalised with a header on 70 minutes. There were no goals in extra time and Germany deservedly went through in the end. The former Bayer 04 assistant coach Daniel Niedzkowski, now the number two to Stefan Kuntz, also joined in with the celebrations.

While the Germany U21s have reached the European Championship final in Poland, it remains to be seen who will be in the Confed Cup final in Russia. Five Werkself pros are involved in the two semi-final ties. Chile with Charles Aránguiz face Euro 2016 winners Portugal in Kazan today before Germany, with Julian Brandt, Benny Henrichs and Bernd Leno, take on Mexico with Chicharito in Sochi on Thursday (both games kick off at 20 .00 CET).

Henrichs praises Chicharito

Bayer 04 team-mate Benjamin Henrichs knows all too well how dangerous Mexico’s leading goalscorer can be with 48 international goals to date. “Chicha is a very dynamic opponent as I see in training,” said the Germany youngster who cane off the bench to set up the third goal against Cameroon. He added: “He always throws his body into the mix although he isn’t the biggest player. And he doesn’t miss often in front of goal as he has great quality.”