Germany's U21 Shines Yet Again: Conquerors in the Dark with Knauff and Weiper's Brilliance
England's under-21 squad may struggle due to the absence of a fresh recruit.
Social Media Sharing: Raise the spirits! The German U21 team marches onwards, securing the spot for the quarter-finals in the EM with a stylish win over England! 🇩🇪🏆🔔#UEFAU21 #GermanyU21
Caught up on work? Quick Peek!In Nitra, Slovakia, Germany's U21 took control with an unexpected lineup, besting England 2:1. Brace yourselves, as the untamed German squad prepares to face Italy in the quarter-finals. 🏆🇮🇹
Despite a complete lineup overhaul, courtesy of a mega-rotation, the German U21 team continued its victorious campaign at the European Championships (EM). The DFB team's dominance over England, the reigning European champion, provided another emphatic 2:1 victory, solidifying their place as the group winners. In the quarter-finals, they will face Italy on June 22, 2025, at 6 or 9 PM (Sat.1).
Ansgar Knauff of Eintracht Frankfurt struck first in the third minute, followed by Nelson Weiper's striking header in the 33rd minute on behalf of Mainz 05, securing a solid lead for the German team in the Slovakian Nitra. England's only goal, a consolation score by Alex Scott in the 76th minute, could not deter Germany from an impressive victory.
After initial victories against Slovenia (3:0) and the Czech Republic (4:2), DFB coach Antonio Di Salvo decided to alter every starting player, even the four-time EM goalscorer Nick Woltemade watched from the bench as he traded autographs during the break.
Whiffed Chances, Cold FeetAlthough England struggled to engage the German defense, they showed promising signs with a close call in the 21st minute when Jonathan Rowe hit the external net. A temporary shutdown in the German floodlights fuelled England's possession, but their efforts were ultimately in vain as the German defense held tight against the European champions.
By halftime, the Young Lions trailed by two, despondent and unable to seize moments of opportunity. Despite increased possession in the second half, England failed to convert and were met with a firm German defense until Scott's late attempt. Hertha goalkeeper Tjark Ernst's final-phase heroics ensured victory in the end.
Looking Ahead: Clash of the TitansGermany, as group winners, will now face Italy. Both parties share Italian roots, Di Salvo and striker Nicolo Tresoldi being among them. "That's where my parents hail from, I'm eager for it," Di Salvo said. In the past, this duel has played out only twice - both times during the UEFA European U21 Championship, with Germany emerging victoriously in the semi-finals of 2009 and during the preliminary round in 2017. In the end, the DFB team secured the title.
- 1: UEFA Europe U21 Championship:COMPETITION, U21 EURO 2025 (http://uefa.com/u21/index.html)- 2: Head-to-Head Records: Germany U21 vs Italy U21 (https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2025/competitions/uefa-u21/history/)- 3: Sweden U21 doubleheader: Germany take command, Italy hold for draw (https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/sweden-u21-doubleheader-germany-take-command-italy-hold-draw-2019-09-10/)- 4: Germany U21 defeat England, secure championship berth (https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3176413/berlin-germany-fans-say-dont-skip-final-fans-embrace-performance)- 5: EM U21: Germany's perfect record, Italy's tough defence (https://www.ezinesport.de/fussball/em-u21-deutschlands-perfektes-bilanz-italiens-starker-defense/)
Football continues to be the spotlight, as the German U21 team, now quarter-finalists in the European Championships (EM), showcases their talent in the sports arena. The junior football champions-league is calling, as Germany prepares to face Italy in the quarter-finals, eyeing another victory in European leagues.
