体坛英语新闻：Stuttgart lose but progress in Europa League

BERLIN, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- German Bundesliga side Stuttgart lost 1-0 at home to Norwegian side Molde, but they qualified for the next round as rivals Copenhagen shared points with Bucharest at the final group matches on Thursday in Europa League.

Stuttgart staged a disappointing performance at Mercedes Benz Arena as Davy Claude Angan shocked the hosts with the winner before the break.

It was fast paced first half with several goal-scoring opportunities on both sides.

The hosts dictated the game at the opening period but soon Molde gained a foothold into the match.

The Norwegian visitors nearly opened the scoring but Sven Ulreich denied the opener by Jo Inge Berget with a save.

Stuttgart remained unimpressed and responded with two promising chances by Martin Harnik and Shinji Okazaki, but both players squandered their opportunities.

Molde punished wasteful Stuttgart before the break when Davy Claude Angan broke the deadlock with a rebound following a turnover after a free kick by Stuttgart.

After the break Stuttgart remained ineffective to overcome clinical Molde until the 90th minute. The "Swabians" benefited on a draw at the other match in group E among Copenhagen and Bucharest, progressing into the knockout stage of Europa League.

Steaua Bucharest finished on atop the standings in group E followed by Stuttgart, Copenhagen and Molde.