Germany, unbeaten in 14 games this season, dominated most of the semifinal, but Russian goalkeeper Yevgeny Pomazan made a series of crucial saves, while Alexander Prudnikov, Russia's top scorer in the tournament, came off the bench to net the only goal of the game on a penetrating pass from Dmitry Ryzhov off the left wing.
The Czech Republic also caused an upset in its semifinal, dumping Group A winner Spain 2-0. Spain had been considered one of the tournament favorites since beating Russia six days ago.
Russia had taken second place in qualifying Group A of the eight-team finals to win the right to play the Germans, who topped Group B with convincing 4-0 victories over Belgium and Serbia and Montenegro. The Czechs finished second in Group B.
