Ruiz, Olmo fire Spain past Germany to fifth European U21 title

Spain dominated holders Germany 2-1 to win the European under-21 championship title for a record-equalling fifth time in Udine on Sunday as Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo scored in either half.

Ruiz rifled in the first after just seven minutes at the Stadio Friuli in northeastern Italy, with Olmo adding the second on 69 minutes to avenge their 1-0 defeat to Germany in the final two years ago.

Nadiem Amiri pulled a goal back two minutes from time, but it failed to ignite a revival for the defending champions.

Spain reclaim the title they last won in 2013 and join Italy as the only nation to have won the tournament five times.

"Obviously we're not happy we didn't win but Spain were better," said Germany coach Stefan Kuntz.

"We didn't start the match very well, Spain played very, very tough, and obviously in a final players are always a bit nervous. After the first goal we tried to pick up our game.

"When we conceded the second goal it was psychologically hard, but we showed them after that we could be dangerous."
"We'll look to the future and prepare for the next challenges."
- 'Great team spirit' -
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"Germany are a great side and we had to suffer together. They're great players but the 2-0 gave us peace of mind and confidence and I think we are deserved winners."