A dominant first half performance from Germany was rewarded when Hany Mukhtar squeezed the ball home, just before half time; his second goal in as many games was enough to hand Germany the lead at the break. A tighter second-half, which Germany slightly edged, was without goals

André Moreira recovered from turning his ankle to claim his starting spot between the sticks. The only Portuguese change came in the form of Raphael Guzzo; he replaced Francisco Ramos in the starting line-up, after doing so in extra-time against Serbia. Germany, for the third time in a row, named an unchanged starting eleven; this in spite of coach Marcus Sorg's insistence, earlier in the tournament, that change would keep the opposition guessing.

Both of the finalists had made appearances at this stage before; Germany won the competition in 2008, a win that flung Sven and Lars Bender to international acclaim. That win against Italy was their first, and only, crowning as Under-19 European Champions; with a defeat coming in the 2002 final, against a Fernando Torres inspired Spain side, the only other time 'die Nationalmannschaft' had reached the last two. Portugal are yet to win a final; the only time they played in the tournament's finale they lost to Italy in 2003.

The Germans started the better and almost had the lead within two minutes. A poor Portugal clearance was controlled by Davie Selke, his touch fell the way of Marc Stendera, but the resulting shot was extremely well blocked by João Nunes. Stendera then rifled another shot from the edge of the box, this time it wasn't blocked, but his drive was well held by André Moreira. Germany had started much better than their opponents and Selke went inches from making it 1-0. A blistering run, from Kevin Akpoguma, down the right-hand side allowed the full-back to beat his man and cross for Selke, but his shot crept past the post. A wonderful move from back to front; the Portuguese were living dangerously in the opening ten minutes.

It took Portugal 20 minutes to force their first chance; a good overlap from Rafa meant he was put through by Ivo Rodrigues, but Oliver Schnitzler was alert and made a comfortable save. Levin Öztunalı and Hany Mukhtar tried their luck from range, but shots flew harmlessly wide of André Moreira's goal. Portugal had gotten over the early blip and were beginning to get Marcos Lopes and Ivo Rodrigues on the ball. Despite the pick-up in Portuguese form, the Germans were still in control. A deflected effort from Julian Brandt drew a fabulous save from Moreira; the goalkeeper having to readjust and get a strong hand to the shot. From the resulting corner, Niklas Stark rose highest and his header blazed past the post; Portugal could do little more than look on.

Just when it looked like Portugal had withstood the Germany onslaught, they found themselves behind. Marc Stendera, who was in excellent form through-out the tournament, whipped in a low cross and Hany Mukhtar bundled it home at the front post. Not the prettiest of goals by all means, but one that gave Marcus Sorg's side a fully deserved lead. There was still time for the Hertha Berlin midfielder to fire at goal again, but this time André Moreira was equal to the shot.

Germany began the second-half with the same verve and purpose that they had through-out the first-half. More good work down the right from Öztunalı got him the space for a pull-back, he found Mukhtar and the lay-off sat up well for Brandt; however, the Bayer Leverkusen youngster shot high and wide. As the hour mark approached, Portugal started to fatigue; of course it was due to the monumental game with Serbia, but space was appearing all over the pitch. This was ever more apparent when Marc Stendera's corner was met by Marc-Oliver Kempf, a costless header for the Freiburg man, but he failed to convert a relatively easy chance.

Space was becoming readily available, but it was Germany who went closest again; Brandt broke down the left and fed Mukhtar, he was denied a brace by a solid save from Moreira. That seemed to finally spark the game into life, as Portugal broke forward through substitute Ramario Balde and he squared for Andre Silva. The ball found it's way to Marcos Lopes had a shot brilliantly blocked by both Joshua Kimmich and Schnitzler, somehow Germany desperately scrambled the ball away and a quiet Davie Selke then saw his shot deflected just over an the other end. The frantic pace of the game continued, as tackles, mistakes and brilliance alike had the crowd on the edge of their seats.

The game was drawing to a conclusion, but Felix Lohkemper could have put it beyond all doubt. However, André Moreira spread himself superbly to deny the sub striker. Germany continued to pile on the pressure, with Julian Brandt forcing a magnificent goal-line clearance from Domingos Duarte; as he bicycled-kicked the ball off of the line, when it looked certain Germany would close the game out. However, despite the brave Portuguese efforts, there was no stopping the German side from being crowned champions.

Germany managed to crown off an excellent summer of football by grinding out another 1-0 win in a final; while they had more control than the senior team enjoyed against Argentina, the same qualities were visibly evident in this display. It was deserved win for Germany, overall. The side who scored the most, conceded the least and had the top player in the goals and assist categories, generally tend to win the tournament that they are involved in. Portugal were a close second on the night and in all of the aforementioned categories, but lacked the ability to get over the line; unfortunately for the Portuguese, this German squad had it in abundance.

The main focus of both sets of players will now turn to their clubs, another season where they become older and wiser. Following that, all of these players will be traveling to New Zealand and playing in the FIFA Under-20 World Cup; another chance for Germany to further assert their dominance