Germany's Under-21 European Championship semi-final game against Portgual was expected to be a showcase of the talent in the federations youth system. Instead, Portgual handed Germany its worst ever competitive defeat in U21 team history. By halftime of the game, Portugal led Germany by three goals to one and added two more in the second half to leave German captain Kevin Volland and his squad speechless  and outclassed by Portugal.

Heading in the Tournament 

After falling short of  qualification in 2011 failing to advance out of the group in 2013, Germany looked to replicate the senior national team this year and win the Under 21 European tournament for the first time since 2009. With a star-studed lineup including Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Emre Can, and Kevin Volland, the team looked to be favorites heading into the tournament. 

Group Stage 

Germany was placed in Group A along with Czech Republic, Denmark, and Serbia and finished second in the group, advancing to the knockout stage and qualifying for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil. Germany's first group stage match (17 June 2015) against Serbia saw the team held to a 1-1 draw despite finishing the game with only 10 men after Christian Günter saw red following a second yellow in the 69th minute. While Germany could not get the go ahead goal following a first half equalizer by Emre Can, the team looked strong finishing the game. 

In the second game of the group (20 June 2015), Germany's offense began to click, beating Denmark 3-0. It was a great night for the German offense with two goals by Kevin Volland, and another from Matthias Ginter to give the Germans their first win of the group. 

For their last group game (23 June 2015), the Germans took on Czech Republic in an exciting 1-1 draw resulting in a second place finish in the goup stages. While their semi-final apperance this tourament led to their untimely exit, there were many positives to take from Germany's U21 run. 

Offensive Prowess

The biggest take home from this German U21 team is the offense. The midfield was a strong area for this team heading into the tournament with players such as Mortiz Leitner, Emre Can, Johannes Geis, and Max Meyer. This midfield did a great job carrying the ball forward and shooting on goal. Emre Can had a notably good tournament, scoring in the opening group stage match against Serbia and generating the German offense. 

Forward and team captain Kevin Volland was also a key player during this tournament and solidified his status as one of Europe's best youth players. The 22-year-old 1899 Hoffenheim player finished the tournament with a team high of two goals, both occuring in Germany's 3-0 win over Denmark. His verstility and eye for the goal was evident throughout the tournament. 

Defensive Stability

Led by FC Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Germany's backline had a great showing despite a 5-0 defeat by Portugal in the semi-final. Julian Korb, a highly rated defensive player in the German ranks, held up to the hype this tournament. His athleticism and tactial eye were key to this defense. Along with Matthias Ginter and Christian Günter, Germany is in good hands defensively going forward. 

Summer Olympics

The most imporant take away from this tournament for Germany is having qualified for the 2016 Summer Olympics men's soccer tournament in Brazil. While the devastating lost to Portugal will remain in the minds of many on the squad, the Olympics are another chance for the German youth to showcase their talents going forward.