Germany sent Finland crashing out of the European Under-21 Championship with a 2-0 victory.
Tournament favourites made to work for victory
Germany sent Finland crashing out of the European Under-21 Championship with a 2-0 win at the Orjans Vall Stadium.
The tournament favourites were made to work hard by a stubborn Finnish side who also caused the Germans some concern in the first half.
However, two quick-fire second-half goals from Benedikt Howedes and Ashkan Dejagah were enough to seal the win which sends the Finns home and puts Germany back in contention for top spot in Group B.
The Germans were wasteful with their limited opportunities in the first half as free-kicks from Mesut Ozil and Marko Marin in dangerous areas evaded everyone in the area.
Finland's best effort came on 27 minutes courtesy of striker Berat Sadik, who turned well on the edge of the box before firing a powerful drive high over the crossbar as the underdogs threatened to spoil the party.
The first half was marred by a horror tackle by Marin on Finland keeper Anssi Jaakkola saw him lucky to escape with just a yellow card.
The German striker's lunge on Jaakkola caused tempers to flare with Finnish players encouraging the referee to show red as the half-time whistle approached.
It was a different story in the second half however as Germany came out with the intent which was lacking in their first half display.
They stamped their authority on the game by dominating possession and the deadlock was broken on 59 minutes as Benedikt Howedes rose to head the Germans in front.
The big centre-half met an excellent delivery from Ozil with a well-directed header as the Finland defence were caught sleeping after a debatable free-kick was awarded.
It took just two minutes for Germany to put the game to bed as striker Dejagah tapped in from around eight yards with another assist for midfielder Ozil.
The VfL Wolfsburg striker was on hand to easily finish into an open net as Ozil latched onto a neat through-ball before squaring across the face of goal.
The win puts Germany top of Group B, at least temporarily, as they await the result of the Thursday night's other game between England and Spain.
