For the sixth time in a row, Germany’s U21 players are in the European Championship final. 2023 Coach Antonio de Salvo’s team in Georgia and Romania can defend the European title of pioneers.
Germany’s U21 players win EM ticket against Hungary. (Image: dpa)
(Photo: Friso Gentsch / dpa)
Osnabrook – Antonio de Salvo hugs his assistant coach and later his family on the stand, while his U21 footballers receive a well-deserved applause from fans.
With an unchallenged home win, the German U21 national team has reached the first major milestone on the path to coveted title defense and have secured a ticket to the finals of the European Football Championship in 2023. Coach de Salvo’s team defeated Hungary 4-0 (2-0) in Osnabrook in front of 5,609 spectators due to numerous errors and efficient performance of the opponent. “We wanted to qualify at home and we were able to do it with determination,” de Salvo said on Chad1.
After his team used the ball in the first match, there was celebration – even though there was still one game left. “The coach said before: If you come up with something out of the ordinary, then they have to re-think their position.”
Team winner before the last game
Youssoufa Moukoko (17th minute), Jonathan Burkard (31st), Tom Krauß (76th) and Lazar Samardzic (90th + 3) scored from the penalty spot at Bremen Bridge. Selection as group winners before the final qualifiers in Poland next Tuesday has already been confirmed and will be able to secure the title of the previous generation in the tournament to be held in Georgia and Romania. This is the sixth consecutive European Championship for Germany’s U21 national team.
The joy of the EM ticket was overshadowed by several injuries: Union Berlin newcomer Jamie Leveling and midfielder Angelo Stiller had to leave with injuries. Defender Malik Tiaw was stitched on the pitch after the eye cut, but was able to continue playing. “Jamie probably has a torn ligament,” de Salvo said. Stiller not found.
The 17-year-old Moukoko, on the other hand, made an impressive comeback after a tough season playing at Borussia Dortmund in the U21s. In his first appearance since last September, he scored his fourth goal in a U21 jersey in the third game.
Early injury setbacks did not impress
Even the initial setback caused by Leveling’s injury did not bother the DFB youth team in the best summer weather. Defensively, however, the team did not focus again and made only minor ball losses in the early stages.
Due to the weak defensive performance of the guests, these were not of great importance. A failed back pass led Moukoko to 1-0, and the Hungarians made a mistake on the Mines in the penalty area and helped Burkert 2-0. Captain Burgarden (41 ‘) also scored after a mistake made by Hungary in a built-up match.
With the attacking power of Moukoko, Burkardt and Frankfurt Europa League winner Ansgar Knauff, however, on a weak day, de Salvo’s team scored the third goal. However, at the moment of motivation, the team had to deal with the next injury, Hoffenheim’s Stiller injured the pitch.
After a while, Thea had to be treated for a long time, but the team endured this setback as well. Cross, last 1. Borrowed from FC Nernberg, removed his last doubt about his European Championship qualification with his goal. He is associated with Bundesliga promoted FC Schalke 04. “We want to win the game against Poland and get better points. After that I want to make a decision and wait for the next task,” Cross said.
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 220603-99-542014 / 3