Mitchell Weiser header sees Germany past Spain U-21 European Championship final

Germanys Mitchell Weiser (centre) celebrates his goal against Spain with teammates during the final in Krakow. Pic/Getty Images

Mitchell Weiser scored with a looping first-half header to hand Germany the Under-21 European Championship title after a 1-0 win over Spain in the southern Polish city here.

It is Germany's second title in the age group following their triumph in 2009, while Spain failed to expand their collection of four titles.

Hertha Berlin winger Weiser sent a header arcing over Spanish keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and into the far corner on 40 minutes for his first goal of the tournament following a cross from right-back Jeremy Toljan.

"The goal made everything very difficult," said Spanish coach Albert Celades, a former defensive midfielder with Real Madrid and Barcelona.

"The first half was key for us, we tried to do everything in the second half but time was running out for us. "Of course we're sad, this was the final (but) Germany is a fabulous team, playing very good football."

Opposing coach Stefan Kuntz lost his leading striker Davie Selke to injury but welcomed back defender Niklas Stark, who had missed the semi-final drama against England when Germany won on penalties.

"We trusted that in the final all players can bring again close to 100 percent of their performance and that was right," said Kuntz.