UEFA Under-21 Championship Group A: Germany gunning for revival

Germany suffered a minor set-back in their opening UEFA Under-21 European Championship encounter, when they were held to a 1-1 draw by a defiant Serbia outfit, and will be looking to bounce back when they collide with Group A leaders Denmark.

Despite their opening stalemate, the young Germans are still 2/1 favourites with Coral to go all the way in the tournament on Eastern European soil, but face a tough test against the Danes, who toppled hosts Czech Republic in their first clash to reach the summit of this exciting group.

Germany v Denmark
The Germans were widely expected to romp to victory in this summer’s competition, and possessed no less than five senior internationals within their starting line-up for an opening match-up with Serbia.

However, former Southampton loanee Filip Djuricic struck early at the Letna Stadium in Prague to stun the tournament favourites (odds-on 8/13), before versatile Liverpool prospect Emre Can showed great composure to equalise before half-time.

Brendan Rodgers has deployed Can at centre back frequently at Anfield, but the German goalscorer thrived in a midfield role during his nation’s opener, and is 6/1 to net again anytime against Denmark.

Barcelona’s Champions League winning shot stopper Marc-Andre ter Stegen produced a sensational save to deny Goran Causic in that meeting, diving acrobatically to crash a driven effort off the crossbar. The Nou Camp goal guard is the long-term international successor to Manuel Neuer and is 8/5 to inspire his side to victory with a clean sheet.

For the table topping Danes, second-half strikes from Jannick Vestergaard and Pione Sisto capped off a clinical comeback to topple the host nation Czech Republic in their opener, and they are 19/5 to earn another victory.

In-form finisher Sisto is always an attacking menace and could cause Germany problems. He is 9/1 to open proceedings.

Serbia v Czech Republic
The hosts will be aiming to get their first points on the board when they clash with Serbia, but confidence will be high within their opponent’s ranks after a shock holding of the competition favourites.

Serbia are 17/4 to secure their first win and both teams to score, while the Czech Republic are available at 15/8 to take three points from this Group A encounter.

Former Saints loanee Djuricic will hope to follow up his strike against Germany with another crucial effort in this meeting with the host nation, and he is 5/1 to score anytime.

Pavel Kaderabek opened the scoring in the Denmark defeat, and is 6/1 to net again anytime, but frontman Tomas Prikryl is a more likely danger to Serbia and he is 7/1 to strike last.