Germany stuns Spain to capture 2nd European Under-21 title

Mitchell Weiser's spectacular looping header secured Germany's second European Under-21 Championship on Friday, as a slender 1-0 win was enough to defeat sparky finalist Spain.

The only team to beat and keep a clean sheet against the Spanish this month, the Germans produced a disciplined and professional performance to take down the tournament favourite.

The last time Germany won the U-21 Euros was 2009, when the likes of Manuel Neuer, Jerome Boateng, and Mesut Ozil lifted the trophy.

Although Weiser's effort was the difference, Germany peppered Spain's goal. Max Meyer hit post, while Serge Gnabry saw several shots go wide.

In fact, Weiser's header was arguably the toughest chance of all to convert. He managed to nod in a speculative cross from right-back Jeremy Toljan just before the interval to give Stefan Kuntz's side a deserved advantage.

Spain responded in the second half, launching wave after wave of attack.

Unfortunately, it amounted to nothing.

German goalkeeper Julian Pollersbeck, who enjoyed a fantastic couple of weeks in Poland, did his best to keep Spain at bay, making an important diving stop on a long-range effort from the tournament's top scorer, Saul Niguez.

Without possession, the Germans employed a high press to give the opposition as little space as possible. Dani Ceballos, who cut through Italy's defence in the semi-final, and Gerard Deulofeu, who secured a return to Barcelona, were not so influential on this night.