Russia vs. Germany: Score and Recap for Euro U-21 Championship Match

Germany fought back from an early 1-0 deficit to secure a 2-1 victory over Russia in the final match for both sides at the 2013 European Under-21 Championship.

Germany was the more aggressive side right from the opening whistle. Patrick Herrmann and Christian Clemens linked on a nice play in the eighth minute, but Russia goalkeeper Aleksandr Filtsov was up to the task with a sprawling stop.

Filtsov was called on again just a couple of minutes later when Lewis Holtby, who plays for Tottenham at the club level, set up Herrmann for another attempt on goal. The Russian keeper made another save.

After the early German pressure, it was actually Russia that got on the scoreboard first, courtesy of Alan Dzagoev. He connected with Shota Bibilov on a give-and-go play, and made no mistake when given space near the top of the box to make it 1-0.

Germany managed to regain control of the match and equalized 12 minutes later. Kevin Volland broke to the outside and sent a cross dangerously through the box. Filtsov hesitated for a split second and it cost him. Herrmann's hard work paid off with a goal to make it 1-1.

Just minutes before halftime, Russia suffered a major blow as Georgi Schennikov was shown a red card for a very high tackle on Tony Jantschke. It wasn't hard contact, but his boot was up and left the referee little choice but to send him off.

The second half got off to a sluggish start as Russia, down to 10 men, started to play a more conservative style. It allowed Germany to maintain possession, but limited the number of good scoring chances the Mannschaft were able to create.

Sebastian Polter finally broke free from the Russian defense in the 56th minute and should have given Germany its first lead of the match. Instead, Filtsov challenged and was able to poke the ball away to keep it level.

Russia created a chance of its own at the other end as Denis Cheryshev found himself open atop the 18-yard box and unleashed a booming strike. He didn't even force Oliver Baumann to make a save, though, as the shot missed the target.

On the ensuing possession—in the 69th minute—Germany was finally able to take advantage of its extra man to go ahead. Herrmann was fouled in the box by Taras Burlak, setting up a penalty kick for Sebastian Rudy, who calmly beat the keeper.

Russia nearly equalized in the final minute of regulation time as Fyodor Smolov drilled a shot off the post. It was as close as the Russians would come to earning the draw despite a late surge.

Germany held on to earn the victory, allowing the squad to end an otherwise disappointing tournament on a high note. Russia lost all three games it played.