For the third time in their history, Germany U21 are the champions of Europe. Lukas Nmecha’s early second-half strike was enough to secure a win for Germany over Portugal, who remained winless in three finals.
A 49th-minute goal from Manchester City’s on-loan striker, Lukas Nmecha, was enough to hand Germany the 2021 U21 UEFA Euro title. Germany beat Portugal in the final to win the tournament for the third time in their history. Portugal, meanwhile, lost their third final after previously coming short in 1994 and 2015.
Florian Wirtz hit the crossbar in the early stages of a lively first-half, the Bayer Leverkusen wunderkind unable to add to his two goals in the semi-finals. Portugal goalie Diogo Costa was on hand to deny Germany from taking the lead on several occasions, with the custodian making good stops, especially from Nmecha and Salih Ozcan. Portugal closed the first half stronger of the two, with Fabio Vieira and Vitinha going close.
Germany took the lead shortly after the start of the second period. Wolfsburg’s Ridle Baku found himself in space on the right flank and drove forward with the ball before playing it into the path of Nmecha.
The Anderlecht loanee took a touch to move past the onrushing Costa and tapped the ball into an unguarded net. Portugal came back strongly after the concession, but Germany held on to their slender lead to win the championship – their third in the history of the competition.
Portugal faced defeat in the final for the third time in their history. The Selecao were beaten previously in 1994 and 2015 and came up short yet again. Germany retained the U21 European crown after relinquishing it in the previous edition of the tournament. They had won the competition in 2017 previously.
Nmecha finished the tournament as the top scorer with four goals to his name. Portugal’s Dany Mota finished behind him with one goal fewer. Meanwhile, Fabio Vieira was named as the Player of the Tournament despite him finishing on the losing side.
