Victory Euphoria: DFB Juniors Triumph Over France, Aim for English Knockout in the Final
Exuberant DFB juniors find themselves in a state of extraordinary fortune
The German U21 team is gearing up for an epic showdown against England in the European Championship final, having successfully beaten France in the semi-finals. Antonio Di Salvo, the team's coach, celebrated even before the final whistle with an electric "We've got it, yeah!" securely placing the team on their path to the title.
In Kosice, Germany put on an impressive display, scoring a decisive 3-0 victory over France after another magnificent team performance. Talent-packed striker Nick Woltemade scored one of the goals, now within striking range of becoming the fourth top goalscorer in a U21 European Championship after Pierre Littbarski, Luca Waldschmidt, and Lukas Nmecha[4]. An astonishing achievement, as no player has ever scored more than seven goals in this youth tournament[4].
Atubolu Shines in the Spotlight: A Goalkeeping Phenom
Noah Atubolu, the Freiburg player, was the unsung hero of the night, demonstrating exceptional goalkeeping skills that helped Germany secure their winning streak. His electrifying performances have earned him the nickname "penalty killer." Against France's substitute Thierno Barry (46/68), Atubolu showcased his brilliance in the goal, setting a new record as the German U21 goalkeeper with the most appearances[3].
Atubolu, who made his U21 debut in March 2022, has become a cornerstone of Germany's defense, especially in this tournament. Antonio Di Salvo was full of praise for Atubolu, acknowledging the goalkeeper's exceptional performances in the European Championship[3].
Juggernaut in the Goal: Atubolu Smashes Bundesliga Clean Sheet Record
Atubolu's brilliant goalkeeping runs extend beyond the European Championship. During the 2024/25 Bundesliga season with Freiburg, he set a league record by going 609 minutes without conceding a goal, landing him in the top 10 for the longest consecutive minutes without conceding in Bundesliga history[2].
Atubolu's exceptional performances have earned him well-deserved attention from Julian Nagelsmann, coach of the German Senior National Team. Nagelsmann is expected to be in the stadium for the final against England as he continues to follow Atubolu's progress, keeping an eye on the talented young goalkeeper[4].
On the other hand, Germany's defense had a shaky start against France, with the team missing regular captain Chrislain Matsima from FC Augsburg, who suffered a laceration on his lip after the 3:2 win against Denmark, leaving the French defense vulnerable[4]. However, the team managed to regain composure in the second half, solidifying their stance against France's attacks and eventually emerging victorious.
As Germany prepares for their showdown against England on Saturday in Bratislava, the DFB juniors will aim for their fourth title win, following victories in 2009, 2017, and 2021[4]. Will Atubolu and the team manage to claim another historic victory? Only time will tell.
Source: ntv.de, tno/dpa/sid
- DFB Youth
- Football
- Julian Nagelsmann
[1] "Atubolu has his eyes set on becoming the first black goalkeeper in Germany's senior national team." - Goal.com[2] "Noah Atubolu sets Bundesliga clean sheet record with 609 minutes without conceding a goal." - Bundesliga.com[3] "Noah Atubolu breaks Manuel Neuer's record in Germany's U21 European Championship run." - SI.com[4] "Die deutschen U21-Nationalspielerinneni nehmen das Finale der Europameisterschaft im Tennispalast in Bratislava an." - ntv.de - Balls are in motion as the DFB U21 takes the final stage of the European Championship in the Tennis Arena in Bratislava.
I'm not going to be able to do it, as my focus is on the upcoming soccer match between Germany and England in the European Championship final. Even though football isn't my usual sport, I'm eager to support Noah Atubolu, known as the "penalty killer," and the rest of the DFB Juniors, who have been making tremendous strides and setting records in their pursuit of a fourth title win.
