Germany have opened their FIFA U-17 World Cup Korea 2007 campaign with a draw after the Europeans let slip a two-goal lead in their Group F meeting with Colombia at the Cheonan Sports Complex on Monday 20 August.
Germany had the better of the early exchanges, but the opening goal of the match fell to the South Americans when captain Miguel Julio rose to meet a 14th-minute free kick with a powerful header. The Germans quickly recovered and began creating chances before Dennis Dowidat netted a spectacular 34th-minute equaliser, accelerating past his marker down the right and arrowing a drive into the far top corner from a tight angle. The Europeans took the lead just five minutes later after a fine passing move down the right flank, Richard Sukuta-Pasu converting a low cross to hand his side a 2-1 half-time lead.
The Germans extended their advantage with a similar move shortly after the restart, Toni Kroos supplying a perfect cross for Dowidat to poke him his second of the game on 49 minutes. However, the Colombians responded magnificently and Cristian Nazarith pulled one back from a 66th-minute penalty, before the same player made the final score 3-3 with a long-range thunderbolt three minutes from time.
Cheonan, South Korea


Germany have opened their 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup campaign with a draw against Colombia in Cheonan, South Korea.

The opening goal of the match came in 14th minute when Colombia captain Miguel Julio met a free kick with a header. The Germans began creating chances before Dennis Dowidat netted a 34th minute equaliser, accelerating past his marker down the right and arrowing a drive into the far top corner from a tight angle. The Europeans took the lead just five minutes later after a passing move down the right flank, Richard Sukuta-Pasu converting a low cross to hand his side a 2-1 half time lead.

The Germans got their 3rd goal of the game with a similar move just after half time. Toni Kroos supplied a cross for Dowidat to poke him his second of the game during the 49th minute. Colombia tied the game with a penalty shot and a long range goal from Cristian Nazarith in the  66th minute and 88th minute respectively.