Despite dominating the play and chances, Germany under-17s were held to a 2-2 draw by their Ukrainian counterparts.

They took the lead through Denys Yanakov just before the break but Germany responded moments later, with Yari Otto leveling the scores.

The second-half saw Andriy Lunin put in a man of the match performance as the Germans wasted countless chances.

Sergiy Buletsa then looked to have won the game for Ukraine, only to see Sam Shreck rescue a point for Germany.

Early openings

The start yielded little in the way of chances for either side, although Germany were on top. Shreck was making the early moves from midfield as he had an attempt blocked by the brave Ukrainian defence. They were keen to sit in their shell but strike when the ball was there to be won, unfortunately Valeriy Bondar missed his tackle and saw yellow within the first 10 minutes.

It wasn't until mid-way through the half that Lunin was forced into his first real save, as Kai Havertz moved inside and arrowed a shot towards the top corner. Lunin did superbly to claw it away from goal, before making another stop from the resulting corner. Ukraine then began to come forward themselves, though a series of corners provided little in the way of chances.

Both sides trade blows before the break

That seemed to be a moment of respite for Ukraine, but a set-piece would provide them with the opening goal. Olexiy Khakhlov lined up a free-kick from 30 yards and delivered towards the back post, picking out Yanakov on the half-volley. The forward confidently fired home from close range to give his side a shock lead.

Germany hit back almost immediately and got themselves level before the break. A well-constructed build-up brought room on the left-wing to cross, though it bobbled around in the box for what seemed an eternity. However, a kind break eventually saw the ball break for Otto and he finished with aplomb to restore parity.

Ukraine edge ahead in narrow second half

The start to the second half was much like the first, with little chance of note for either side. Then, out of nowhere, Germany sprung into life. Tom Baak wasted a glorious opportunity when he headed over - unmarked - from just four yards out. Fellow Hertha BSC starlet, Arne Maier, then stung the palms of Lunin from range.

Maier looked to be the one player who could provide the spark to score a third goal in the game, but his run and finish was matched with another fine Lunin save. However, it was the finest of touches that would provide the next goal - and it was Buletsa who got it. The Dynamo Kiev man managed to put Oleksiy Sich's cross past Jan-Christoph Bartels and suddenly Germany had it all to do again.

Germany strike late, again, to earn a draw

It looked like Ukraine would hang on to the win but, in the end, it was they who were happy to hear the full-time whistle. A wonderful move carved them open and, despite Lunin saving Jano Baxmann's initial effort, Shreck was on hand to level the scores. Jan-Niklas Beste then rattled the post with a free-kick, his first touch after stepping onto the pitch. Baak then put another header off target from a similar position that he had earlier in the half, much to Germany's dismay.

Both teams are on a point of the opening day draw, and trail Austria who beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 earlier in the day.