Olympics-2008

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MALMO, Sweden: Germany beat England 4-0 to win the European Under-21 Championship on Monday night in front of a near sellout crowd at Malmo Stadium.

UEFA President Michel Platini (R) presents the trophy to Germany players after they defeated England to win the U21 European Championship final soccer match at Malmo New Stadium in Malmo June 29, 2009. Germany won the match 4-0.

Gonzalo Castro opened the scoring in the 23rd minute and Mesut Ozil made it 2-0 three minutes into the second half with a long-range free-kick that embarrassed stand-in goalkeeper Scott Loach, who appeared wrong-footed and could only palm the ball into his own net.

Sandro Wagner scored two late goals within a span of five minutes late in the final to seal the victory.

Ozil set up his first, nicking the ball in midfield before marauding forward and releasing Wagner, who shot between Loach's legs.

Wagner then added the fourth, in the 84th minute, curling the ball neatly into the far corner following a counterattack.

Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer did not have to make a save throughout the one-sided final.

England coach Stuart Pearce, who revealed he has signed a new two year-deal to lead the team until the next Under-21 championship, said he would take his time to analyze the team's failings.

"It is down to me sit back and let the dust settle on this tournament and work out how to improve at this level," said Pearce.

"Hats off to the Germans, they beat us 4-0. You have to be humble but it still hurts me."

(Agencies)