European Under-21 Championship: Germany beat Portugal to win third crown
- Published
Lukas Nmecha (left) has made three senior substitute appearances for Manchester City
Manchester City's Lukas Nmecha hit the winner as Germany beat Portugal to win a third European Under-21 Championship.
Nmecha, who spent 2020-21 on loan at Anderlecht, scored from a tight angle after rounding the keeper following Ridle Baku's excellent pass.
Germany had twice gone close before scoring in Ljubljana, Slovenia, with Florian Wirtz hitting the bar and Arne Maier having a shot tipped over.
Portugal have now lost all three finals they have appeared in.
Hamburg-born forward Nmecha, who was raised in England and played for England at under-21 level before switching to Germany in 2019, finishes the tournament as leading scorer.
The 22-year-old's goal, a composed finish after being picked out by Baku, was his fourth of the tournament.
His career includes loan spells at Preston, Middlesbrough and Wolfsburg.
Ironically, Nmecha scored the winner for England Under-19s in the 2017 European Championship final against Portugal.
Germany have reached the final five times - winning it on three occasions
Portugal's journey to this year's final had included a 2-0 win over England in March.
Rui Jorge's side knocked out defending champions Spain in the semi-finals but they managed just one attempt on target against Germany.
Manchester United full-back Diogo Dalot and Tiago Tomas went close but Germany were the most threatening.
Karim Adeyemi and Nmecha both had attempts saved by Diogo Costa in the closing stages before Germany added to their previous triumphs in the competition in 2009 and 2017.