Germany were underwhelming in a 1-1 draw with Serbia on Wednesday evening in their European Under-21 Championship opener at the Letna Stadium in Prague.
The underdog Orlici took the lead through a fine run and finish from tricky midfielder Filip Djuricic, but were pegged back by Germany through Emre Can’s precise finish, although it was arguably a lucky escape for Die Mannschaft.
It was Serbia who drew first blood to shock the heavily favoured “home” side as Djuricic nutmegged Robin Knoche during a great solo run, capping off the move by beating Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
However, Serbia’s joy was short-lived as Germany soon assumed control, Can’s powerful strike was lifting and encouraged his side to step up their game, although this was not fully achieved.
Serbian star Milos Jojic came a whisker away from restoring the lead for his nation, but his shot was dragged and went the wrong side of the post from his point of view.
Just before the interval, Ter Stegen demonstrated why he is Germany U21’s first choice as he finger-tipped a Goran Causic thunderbolt on to the woodwork, as his side severely struggled with the pace of their opponents.
As the game approached the hour mark, Philipp Hofmann peeled away at the back post to meet a header, but could only direct his effort just wide of the target.
The second half certainly seemed grittier than the first, with numerous fouls dotting the play throughout, at the expense of clear-cut chances.
In fact, Christian Gunter was sent off for a second yellow card, although his second came courtesy of a bout of simulation.
With the clock winding down, Germany had come to the new realisation that with 10 men they had to settle for a draw, as frustrating as such a conclusion is to a very ambitious side.
Serbia had the chances to secure a memorable victory, but a point is a solid opening tally, with two easier group games to come.
