Honduras' Deybi Flores (white jersey) attempts to tackle Grisha Proemel of Germany during their FIFA U-20 World Cup match on June 7, 2015 in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo: FIFA via Getty Images)
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand – Germany completed Group F play in the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup with a perfect 3-0-0 record, defeating Honduras 5-1 on Sunday at AMI Stadium.
The loss, combined with Hungary falling to Nigeria by less than nine goals in Group E, saw the Hondurans be eliminated from the competition as it came up short in a bid to secure advancement as one of the four best third-place teams. Uzbekistan (1-0-2, 3 points, GD -1) finished second thanks to a 3-0 win over Fiji (1-0-2, 3 points, GD -7),
Five different players accounted for the five German goals, starting with Marc Stendera converting a penalty kick in just second minute.
Undaunted, Honduras (1-0-2, 3 points, GD -6) did not let down and were on level terms 17 minutes later. Orlando City’s Bryan Rochez struck a right-sided cross from Kevin Lopez off the right post. The ball rebounded off the back of goalkeeper Marvin Schwabe and over the line.
The Germans’ lead was restored in the 30th minute, when Stendera split the middle of the Honduran defense with a delightful through ball for Julian Brandt, who chipped expertly over advancing goalkeeper Roberto Lopez.
Germany struck three more times after the break, as Hany Mukhtar (50’), Grischa Proemel (62’) and Nicklas Stark (81’) found the back of the net.
Honduras finished the game with 10 players after Jhonatan Paz was ejected in the 79th minute for his second caution.
