Exceptionally Lucky DFB Juniors ecstatic about their fortunate circumstances
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy Link The German U21 team marches towards its fourth EM title. Following their semi-final victory over France, they aim to achieve championship glory against England. Woltemade continues to make history - a record could be within reach. The team will receive massive support in the final.
Antonio Di Salvo let out a triumphant roar into the Slovak night sky even before the final whistle. "Boys, yes, we've bloody done it!", the DFB coach shouted as the U21 semi-final match against France was still underway. Moments later, it was an emphatic reality: 3:0 (2:0) against France after another outstanding showcase, paving the way for the battle against defending champions England in the final on Saturday.
"Simply outstanding, final! This was our objective, and now we've achieved it. We've sent the French packing; now we've got the Englishmen in our sights too," said goalscorer Nelson Weiper on Sat.1. The Mainz player Weiper (8.), Stuttgart's new national player Nick Woltemade (14) and Brighton and Hove Albion's Brajan Gruda (90.+3) found the back of the net for the fifth victory in their fifth U21 EM match, performed in front of 11,913 spectators in Kosice.
Noah Atubolu breaks Manuel Neuer's record
After a blistering start, the U21 team of coach Antonio Di Salvo displayed resilience against the French attacking line-up that boasted former Bayern star Mathys Tel. And it had a top-notch goalkeeper in Noah Atubolu - not just because of his exceptional saves against France's substitute Thierno Barry (46./68.). With his 21st appearance for the U21, the Freiburg player surpassed Manuel Neuer's tally, becoming the German with the most appearances in this age bracket. "That was my most crucial and best U21 match," said Atubolu on Sat.1.
Atubolu had donned the U21 jersey for the first time in March 2022 and was already on the roster for the EM 2023. "Noah's been on fire during this European Championship," said Di Salvo. "We've had him for three years because we knew he's a world-class goalkeeper, a talent. I don't claim to understand the technicalities, but the goalkeeping coaches said take him. And that's why he deserves to play so many games."
Football Dominating 3-0 win; German title dream lives on: DFB U21 in EM final Woltemade, the new face of German striker hopes, is on the brink of breaking the record for most goals in a U21 EM tournament. The prolific Woltemade has already scored six times in the tournament, putting him in a strong position to become the fourth German top scorer in the history of this competition[2]. The record is also within reach with no previous player scoring more than seven goals in this youth tournament[2]. In the final on Saturday in Bratislava, Julian Nagelsmann, who recently promoted Woltemade to the senior team, is expected to be present in the crowd. The DFB juniors are determined to secure their fourth title triumph following victories in 2009, 2017, and 2021[4][5].
Weiper scores for the third time
England qualified for the final following a 2-1 victory over the Netherlands, thanks to a brace from Liverpool ace Harvey Elliott. Germany's U21 team had an excellent start against France with an audience of 11,913 in Kosice. Woltemade played a crucial role in setting up the first goal. After a determined charge by Gladbach defender Rocco Reitz, Woltemade fed Mainz striker Paul Nebel. He had two opportunities denied, first by the post and then by French goalkeeper Guillaume Restes. However, the impressively clinical Weiper found the back of the net with a poacher's finish[1].
Without team captain Chrislain Matsima of FC Augsburg, who required six stitches to his lip after the hard-fought victory against Denmark, the French defense showed significant vulnerabilities in the initial stages. Bundesliga defenders Castello Lukeba of RB Leipzig and Kiliann Sildillia of SC Freiburg did not offer much support[3]. Soungoutou Magassa's mistake essentially provided the assist for Woltemade, who needed a few attempts to consolidate his position in the history books with his fourth goal in the quarterfinals[1].
France needed time to overcome the shock. Despite facing a 2:0 deficit, they lacked precision. The team led by Di Salvo displayed remarkable resilience in coping with the setback of Max Rosenfelder's early injury, who was already struggling after the Italy quarter-final[1]. Unlike in the first half, Germany effectively alleviated the pressure. Nebel, Weiper, Woltemade, or Merlin Röhl missed the opportunity for a comfortable 3:0, which was eventually provided by Gruda.
Enrichment Data:
Overall:
The German U21 team showed a formidable performance in the 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, posting a 3-0 semifinal victory over France and setting its sights on the fourth U21 title against England in the final. Nick Woltemade's outstanding performances and record-breaking goal count emerged as critical factors in the team's success[1][3].
Performance Overview:
- Germany demonstrated dominance in the tournament with a 5-0 record, winning all five of their matches, including a 3-0 victory against France in the semifinal and a 4-2 win in the group stage against England, their upcoming final opponent[1][4].
- Nick Woltemade, the new standout German striker, scored six goals in the tournament, positioning him to break the record for most goals in a U21 EM tournament. Woltemade's exceptional scoring abilities, particularly his four goals in a single match against the Czech Republic, have left a lasting impression in the tournament[1][3].
- Noah Atubolu, the German goalkeeper, showcased expert skill, establishing himself as a crucial member of the team, especially with his vital saves against France’s Thierno Barry in the semifinal match[3].
Semifinal Match Details:
- The German U21 team defeated France 3-0 in the semifinals, with Nelson Weiper (14'), Nick Woltemade (16'), and Brajan Gruda (90.+3') finding the back of the net. The match took place on 24 June 2025 in Kosice, Slovakia, in front of 11,913 spectators[1].
- The German squad overcame adversities, such as Max Rosenfelder's early injury, and maintained their unbeaten record in the tournament, earning a place in the final against England[1].
I'm not going to be able to do it, as my focus is firmly on the sports-analysis of the upcoming football match. However, the German U21 team's dominating 3-0 win against France keeps their sports title dream alive, as they aim to secure their fourth title triumph in the final against England. Meanwhile, Nick Woltemade, the new face of German striker hopes, is on the brink of breaking a record for most goals in a U21 EM tournament, with his six goals already putting him in a strong position.
