Under-19 European Championship

Defending champions Spain lost 1-2 to Germany in their opening game of the under 19 European finals, their first defeat at this level for over three years. Horst Hrubesch's side opened the scoring early on when Gebhart set up Sukuta-Pasu to beat Atlético keeper De Gea, and Toprak headed a second from Gebhart's corner early in the second half. Valencia's Jordi Alba got one back after Emilio and Parejo combined to set him up, but they could do no more against a well organised defence. The win was some compensation for Germany after their Euro 2008 final defeat to Spain last month, and Gines Meléndez's team now have to beat Hungary in their next match to have a real chance of progressing to the semi-finals. (14.07.08)