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BERLIN, July 14 (Xinhua) -- Portugal came from behind to knock out hosts Germany with a 4-3 victory following the second game of Group A in UEFA U-19 EURO in Grosspach, Germany on Thursday.
Germany failed to clinch their first point at their second game in Group A despite a hat-trick by Philipp Ochs. Portugal staged a clinical chance conversion and punished the hosts on fast breaks to make the game safe with 73 minutes played.
Due to Germany's unlucky 1-0 loss to Italy at the EURO opener, the hosts had to pile on the pressure from kick-off to ensure vital points. As a consequence, Germany broke the deadlock with 12 minutes into the encounter as Ochs utilized a combination inside the box to overcome Portugal keeper Pedro Silva from twelve meters.
Portugal were stunned for a short time meanwhile Germany's Max Besuschkow headed just wide of the target, and rattled the woodwork moments later. Emilio Peixe's men cut a better figure in front of the hosts target as Asumah Ankrah hammered home a blocked shot from 15 meters to level the scores in the 37th minute.
The hosts were caught flatfooted after the half time when Goncalo Rodrigues drilled the ball from central position into the top right corner, giving Portugal the 2-1 lead three minutes into the second half.
Germany fought back made it two-all draw as Ochs stepped up to convert a foul-play penalty in the 68th minutes to spark hopes. However, it was a short-lived joy for Guido Streichsbier's men as Alexandre Silva finished a counterattack to restore Portugal's advantage two minutes later.
Portugal were not done with the scoring as Buta completed another fast break to make the game safe with the 4-2 lead in the 73rd minute. In the dying minutes of the game, Germany reduced the arrears through Ochs, who converted his second penalty of the night, but the 3-4 came too late for the hosts.
With the result, Portugal top Group A with four points, followed by Italy, Austria and hosts Germany, who have no chance to reach the semi-finals.
