Germany won the European Under-21 Championship with a number of their players on duty with the senior side at the Confederations Cup

Germany won their second European Under-21 Championship with victory over four-time champions Spain in Poland.

Mitchell Weiser's superb, looping first-half header was enough to give the Germans a first title since 2009.

Spain, looking to win the competition for the third time in its past four stagings, went closest to an equaliser when Saul Niguez's effort was saved.

But Germany, who beat England on penalties in the semi-final, easily withstood late Spanish pressure.

Germany's 2009 winning side, who beat England in that final, included current senior regulars Manuel Neuer, Mesut Ozil, Jerome Boateng, Sami Khedira and Mats Hummels, and there will certainly be future stars from this crop of youngsters.

Former Arsenal winger Serge Gnabry, who has moved from Werder Bremen to Bayern Munich this summer, already has two senior caps and he put in a standout performance characterised by pace and creativity.

And the match-winning header from Hertha Berlin wideman Weiser was of international quality, as he met Jeremy Toljan's cross to flick the ball into the far corner of the net from a tight angle.

Spain, captained by Barcelona-bound Gerard Deulofeu, came into the final as strong favourites and had momentum, having beaten Italy 3-1 in the semi-finals.

But their hat-trick hero from that game - Saul - was presented with few chances as Germany, managed by former international Stefan Kuntz, were able to make the Spaniards' superior possession count for little.

Several of Germany's usual under-21 internationals are in Russia for the Confederations Cup after Joachim Low named a youthful squad for the tournament. They face Chile in Sunday's final.</s>Saúl Ñíguez, like several of his Spain team‑mates who will contest the European Under-21 Championship final on Friday night, has a point to prove. For the second and final time the Atlético Madrid midfielder, whose brilliant hat-trick destroyed Italy in the semi-final on Tuesday, will attempt to win this competition, at the end of an international youth career that started in 2009 for the under-16 side.

Saúl, 22, will win his 48th cap at youth level in Krakow against Germany having secured only one title – the European Under-19 Championship in 2012 after La Rojita surprisingly failed to qualify for the Under-21 finals last time, when Saúl was suffering from a debilitating kidney injury. He also missed out on selection for the star-studded team who won a second successive tournament at the 2013 edition, from which Álvaro Morata, Thiago Alcântara, Isco and Koke are firmly established in the senior set-up.</s>Two of the world's most dominant footballing nations in Germany and Spain are set to meet in the final of the 2017 UEFA European Under-21 Championship at the Stadion Cracovia in Krakow. While Spain will be looking to match Italy's record and win the tournament for the fifth time, Germany will be looking to win only their second title having won it in 2009.

From the start of the tournament, Germany and Spain were expected to go all the way and while both teams have been exceptional so far, one team is going to be disappointed tonight. As expected Spain topped their group as they breezed past every opponent in the group stage while Germany had to settle for second place in their group after they lost their final group stage match against Italy.

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In the semi-final, Germany needed penalties against England to book their place in the final after the match ended 2-2 after extra time. Spain faced no problem in their semi-final against Italy as Saul Níguez's hat trick sent them to the finals.

The Spaniards have a fully fit squad to choose from ahead of the Euro U21 final but Germany might have to do without Davie Selke, who picked up an injury in the semi-finals against England. The fitness of Niklas Stark is also a concern for Germany as he left training early.

A lot of people are favouring Spain to get the win over Germany tonight but Germany coach Stefan Kuntz insists that his Germany are ready to cause an upset and said that his players have done a good job for their country so far.

"I would like to let others decide who favourites are, but we are not finished yet, we want to achieve something and that's what we're thinking about right now. From the beginning, we said we wanted to measure ourselves against the best. We have played Italy, England and now Spain. It's very cool," UEFA.com quoted Kuntz as saying.

During his pre-match press conference, Spain boss Albert Celades admitted that his players must up their game in the final if they are to match Italy's record. He said his players have the best mentality and are calm ahead of this big match.

"Miracles don't exist and we have to do something more than we did against Portugal and Italy. We are prepared to face Germany with the best mentality. I don't want to be boring, but it's cost us a lot to get here, the players know that," Celades said.

"Whatever the excitement outside of us, we're not aware of that. I see my players and I feel calm as I know they feel the same."

Saul Niguez and Marco Asensio will be two Spanish players to watch out for. Apart from Niguez scoring a hat-trick against Italy in the semi-finals he also scored in the group stage against Macedonia and Portugal. Asensio, on the other hand, has been Spain's best performer this tournament and German defence will have to keep a close eye on the two of them.

The 2017 Euro U21 final between Spain and Germany is set to start at 8.45 pm local time, 12.15 am IST and 2.45 pm EST.</s>Krakow, June 29: Two of the favourites Germany and Spain are set to clash in the final of the 2017 UEFA U21 European Championship on Saturday, July 1.

The young Spanish side are seeking their fifth title whereas Germany will be looking for their Second u21 Euro title in Krakow.

At the start of the tournament, these two were the bookmaker's favourites and surely they have clearly lived up to the expectations.

The young German side made it to the final after beating England on penalties in the semi-final whereas Spain continued to show their domination as they thrashed Italy to a solid 3-1 victory.

Spain u21 side have been in a tremendous form in the tournament and have won every game in Poland in comfortable fashion.

The La Rojita have been led by Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez and Real Madrid star Marco Asensio as both the youngster inspired their team to score 8 goals out of total 12 to reach the final.

On their route to final, they have beaten Macedonia 5-0, Portugal 3-1, Serbia 1-0 and lastly Italy 3-1 in the Semis.

On the other hand, Germany haven’t exactly proved their domination in the tournament till now and often struggled to get past the opponent.

During the group stage, they opened with a 2-0 win over the Czech Republic and then a 3-0 over Denmark, however, lost their last group stage match 1-0 against Italy.

The European heavyweights even had to dig up in their semi-final clash against old rivals England and had to grind out a result in the penalty shootout after they were held to a 2-2 draw following extra-time.

However, the champions always show his worth at the big stage and with so many promising stars like Schalke's Max Meyer, Borussia Dortmund's Dahoud and Bayern youngster Gnabry at their disposal, the game has the making of being a top class encounter and the contest can be pretty even in the final.</s>Germany's Max Meyer goes for a header during the Euro Under 21 final soccer match between Germany and Spain in Krakow, Poland, Friday, June 30, 2017. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

KRAKOW, Poland (AP) -- Midfielder Mitchell Weiser scored the winning goal as Germany beat high-scoring Spain 1-0 to win the Under-21 European Championship on Friday.

Spain was in a formidable form in the tournament, scoring 12 goals in four previous wins. But the favorite failed to replicate its flowing attacking football in the final. The Germans, after knocking out England in a penalty shootout in the semifinals, secured a second title in this category after success in 2009.

Spain was seeking its fifth European trophy after it eliminated Italy - the most successful team with five titles - 3-1 in the semis.

The decisive moment of the match came five minutes before halftime, when Weiser headed in defender Jeremy Toljan's cross from the right flank.

It was a deserved goal for Germany following a dominant first half. Despite missing its key striker Davie Selke, Germany was the more dangerous side, with Max Meyer and Serge Gnabry going close.

Spain improved in the second half but the German defense held firm.

Saul Niguez, the tournament's top scorer with five goals - including a hat-trick against Italy - forced Germany goalkeeper Julian Pollersbeck into a diving save with a long-range attempt in the 58th minute.

But otherwise, Spain's vaunted attack was kept quiet.</s>5 world class players who first impressed at the U-21 European Championship

Before they won trophies with their senior teams, they first made their mark at the U-21 Euros

The UEFA European Under-21 Championship is held every two years – a biennial competition that has taken place since 1978 – and it sees teams from around Europe send their best youth talents. It is the breeding ground for world class players that go on to enjoy a period of success over the next decade or so.

The 2017 edition has already seen a number of players show their potential such as Spain’s Saul Niguez and Marco Asensio – already established players at the two esteemed La Liga clubs Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid respectively.

These two players are assured of stellar careers as long as they live up to the potential they have shown so far. We look at five other players who impressed at the U-21 Euros before making their mark in Europe.

Back then, the U-21 Euros was an eight-team affair with four teams split into two groups. Germany were in the same group as England, Spain and Finland and actually finished second in the group behind the Three Lions.

Neuer had managed to keep two clean sheets against Spain and Finland. It was England who first breached his goal through a strike from a young Jack Rodwell (who has since lost his way following a couple of questionable transfers) in a 1-1 draw.

However, Neuer did not concede another goal in the tournament again. Die Mannschaft first beat Italy 1-0 in the semi-finals before meeting England in the final, where Stuart Pearce’s side were the only other undefeated team.

Germany went on to thrash England 4-0 as Neuer kept a clean sheet against a side that had scored eight goals in the four games prior to the final.</s>Mitchell Weiser scored with a looping first-half header to hand Germany the under-21 European Championship title after a 1-0 win over Spain in the southern Polish city of Krakow on Friday. It is Germany's second title in the age group following their triumph in 2009, while Spain failed to expand their collection of four titles. Hertha Berlin winger Weiser sent a header arcing over Spanish keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and into the far corner on 40 minutes for his first goal of the tournament following a cross from right-back Jeremy Toljan.

"The goal made everything very difficult," said Spanish coach Albert Celades, a former defensive midfielder with Real Madrid and Barcelona.

"The first half was key for us, we tried to do everything in the second half but time was running out for us.

"Of course we're sad, this was the final (but) Germany is a fabulous team... playing very good football."

Spain came into the final having claimed four wins in as many games at the tournament and Celades went with the same team that started in the 3-1 semi-final victory over Italy.

Opposing coach Stefan Kuntz lost his leading striker Davie Selke to injury but welcomed back defender Niklas Stark, who had missed the semi-final drama against England when Germany won on penalties.

Spain started in high spirits, but Germany soon regained their composure to outplay their rivals in the first half, with their defence close to the half-way line and forwards never missing an opportunity to attack.

Max Meyer headed against the post early on and Germany deserved the breakthrough when it arrived with the interval approaching, with Jesus Vallejo not getting close enough to Weiser as he met Toljan's cross.

"We trusted that in the final all players can bring again close to 100 percent of their performance and that was right," said Kuntz.

"We had to bring our best technical game today with a lot of courage.

"We had a plan and they did it really, really good. It's not easy to play against our team when they have so much courage."

Spain came out of the changing room more determined to attack in the second half, but the closest they came to equalising was a left-footed curler from Saul Niguez that was saved by Julian Pollersbeck.

At the other end, Meyer put through Serge Gnabry who failed to beat Arrizabalaga with a low shot.

Dani Ceballos then blasted a shot just past the post while Gerard Deulofeu's shot was cleared by the German defence which easily survived the inefficient Spanish pressure of the final minutes.

With the exception of 2015 when Sweden lifted the trophy in the Czech Republic, Germany and Spain have dominated the competition since 2009 with Spain earning the honours in 2011 and 2013.</s>Germany won their second European Under-21 Championship with a resilient victory over much-fancied Spain in Poland.

Mitchell Weiser's first-half header was enough to give the Germans a first title since 2009 when they're squad was filled with talent such as Jermome Boateng, Sami Khedira and Mesut Ozil.

Spain went close to an equaliser through the left foot of Saul Niguez, the hero of their thrumping semi-final win over Italy, but he saw his effort saved.

But Germany, who beat England on penalties in the semi-final, held on in the latter stages as Spain dominated territory and possession.

Former Arsenal winger Serge Gnabry, who completed a move from Werder Bremen to Bayern Munich this summer, was Germany' most likely attacking threat through his pace a dribbling ability.

Several of Germany's usual Under-21 internationals are in Russia for the Confederations Cup after Joachim Low named a youthful squad for the tournament. They face Chile in Sunday's final.</s>Kraków: Mitchell Weiser scored with a looping first-half header to hand Germany the under-21 European Championship title after a 1-0 win over Spain in the southern Polish city of Krakow on Friday.

It is Germany`s second title in the age group following their triumph in 2009, while Spain failed to expand their collection of four titles.

Hertha Berlin winger Weiser sent a header arcing over Spanish keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and into the far corner on 40 minutes for his first goal of the tournament following a cross from right-back Jeremy Toljan.

Spain came into the final having claimed four wins in as many games at the tournament and coach Albert Celades went with the same team that started in the 3-1 semi-final victory over Italy.

Opposing coach Stefan Kuntz lost his leading striker Davie Selke to injury but welcomed back defender Niklas Stark, who had missed the semi-final drama against England when Germany won on penalties.

Spain started in high spirits, but Germany soon regained their composure to outplay their rivals in the first half.

Max Meyer headed against the post early on and Germany deserved the breakthrough when it arrived with the interval approaching, with Jesus Vallejo not getting close enough to Weiser as he met Toljan`s cross.

Spain came out of the changing room more determined to attack in the second half, but the closest they came to equalising was a left-footed curler from Saul Niguez that was saved by Julian Pollersbeck.

At the other end, Meyer put through Serge Gnabry who failed to beat Arrizabalaga with a low shot.

Dani Ceballos then blasted a shot just past the post while Gerard Deulofeu`s shot was cleared by the German defence which easily survived the inefficient Spanish pressure of the final minutes.</s>related media assets (image or videos) available. Click to see the gallery.

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Germany stunned title favourites Spain 1-0 with a looping first-half header from Mitchell Weiser to win the European Under-21 championship on Friday and earn their second title.

KRAKOW, Poland: Germany stunned title favourites Spain 1-0 with a looping first-half header from Mitchell Weiser to win the European Under-21 championship on Friday and earn their second title.

Germany blunted the sharpest attack at the finals, centred around the tournament top scorer Saul Niquez whose Spain side were bidding for a record-equalling fifth Euro crown.

Germany's Max Meyer headed against the post after seven minutes with the first of several chances in a dominant first half as Spain were taken by surprise.

Serge Gnabry also twice came close for the Germans before Weiser's clever header from Jeremy Toljan's cross in the 40th minute sailed over keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and into the net.

Spain threatened only once in the first half, with a Hector Bellerin header, but increased the pressure after the break.

Saul forced an outstanding save from Germany's Julian Pollersbeck on the hour and Dani Ceballos fired narrowly wide as they went in search of an equaliser.

But Germany, with several players confirming their status as potential contenders for next year's World Cup squad, held on to add another Euro Under-21 trophy to their 2009 triumph.

Germany's senior team, the world champions, face Chile in the Confederations Cup final in Russia on Sunday.
In association football, Germany defeats Spain 1–0 in the final to win the 2017 edition of the UEFA European Under-21 Championship.