Ugly Games: Woltemade and the German U21 Team Say Goodbye to Nightmares, Aiming for Bratislava and Slovenia
Youth Team U21 Initiates with Offensive Tactics under Nagelsmann's Guidance in European Match
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After the 2023 fiasco, Germany's U21 football team is ready to redeem themselves in the 2025 European Championship. A new National Player leads the pack, an impressive streak is an optimistic sign for the fourth title, and the mission comes from Nagelsmann's senior team.
Julian Nagelsmann's wishes bless Nick Woltemade as he kicks off the European Championship with his beloved U21. "It's our duty to bring a little joy back to Germany," quoted the new national player from the senior team's request. After the title project in the Nations League fizzled out, the German Football Association's juniors strive to become European champions for the fourth time in Slovakia.
"I know that this moment can be incredible," said Captain Eric Martel of 1. FC Cologne, looking back on a victory parade - much like the one following their second division triumph. An EM triumph, like the teams of Manuel Neuer (2009), Serge Gnabry (2017), and Florian Wirtz (2021), is a completely different ballgame. "U21 is the foundation of everything, and therefore it's a very important team and a very important tournament," said DFB sporting director Rudi Völler.
Troubled Season Concludes in U21 EM
On the day after the tournament starts for title hopefuls like Spain and France, the team of national coach Antonio Di Salvo enters the EM melee on Thursday (21:00 CET/Sat.1 and in the ntv.de live ticker) against Slovenia in Nitra, northeast of Bratislava. "A tournament start is always significant," emphasized Woltemade. Two years ago, their performance left much to be desired in 2023, and they departed without a win after just two games. However, since the 0:2 loss in the group final against England in 2023, the German U21 has been unbeaten.
No Moukoko, Yet with Woltemade
"In the end, we can't rely too much on that because now the real deal begins, and the tournament starts," said goalkeeper Noah Atubolu. The Freiburg player is the undisputed number one due to the absence of Munich's Jonas Urbig. The same goes for Tom Bischof (both now his teammates), Maxi Beier and Karim Adeyemi, who are also skipping the European Championship due to the Club World Cup.
"We have a good team," affirmed Di Salvo, long past his complaints about the FIFA tournament. "The excitement among us is enormous." At least, the 46-year-old, whose contract was extended before the tournament like before 2023, managed to bring Paul Wanner, on loan from Bayern Munich to Heidenheim, to Slovakia. However, Youssoufa Moukoko, on loan from BVB to Nice, is not in the squad due to poor form and playing time.
Goal-Hungry Team Loses Moukoko
The team has been scoring goals aplenty without Moukoko, who was a consistent scorer in the U21 jersey. In the last official friendly before the EM, Woltemade netted three times in the 3:1 win against Spain in March. "We've demonstrated against many opponents that we can definitely compete," said Woltemade. "So I'm only focusing on us and hoping we'll go far. It doesn't really matter to me who we're up against."
Welcome to the Spotlight, Woltemade!
Warmly welcomed by hotel staff in the tranquil town of Modra, Woltemade stepped onto a black-red-gold DFB carpet upon his delayed arrival due to the Nations League. Unlike his understated debut role in Nagelsmann's team, Woltemade has taken center stage in the U21. And an inspiring example of how quickly a year before the World Cup, the rise of Joshua Kimmich to the team can happen. "Representing yourself through performances in the U21 is definitely beneficial for every player," said Nagelsmann in the Sat.1 docu "Germany's Boys".
Favorites Set Sights on EM
Besides Germany, Spain led by Barcelona talents Gerard Martin and Pablo Torre, France with Mathys Tel on loan from Bayern to Tottenham, and England with Arsenal striker Ethan Nwaneri are among the prominent contenders. "We don't have to hide and can enter the games with a lot of self-confidence. But it doesn't help to constantly brag about how great and invincible we are," said Captain Martel.
"Ugly Games" Await
Martel warned that the matches against Slovenia and the Czech Republic will be grueling contests, much like their encounter with England in 2023. Though the Czech Republic was also a group opponent in 2023, the outcome is uncertain as both teams have evolved and refined their gameplay.
The EM pursuit is fueled by the rallying cry "We want to reach Bratislava." The semi-finals and the final on June 28 will take place there. Jan Thielmann, Cologne midfielder, left little room for interpretation. "Our goal, of course, is to get to Bratislava and win the title."
Source: ntv.de, Christian Kunz, Tom Bachmann, and Michael Rossmann, dpa
- Football
- DFB Youth
- European Championships
The German U21 football team, led by Julian Nagelsmann's hand-picked player Nick Woltemade, aspires to revive the love for football in Germany by aiming for the fourth European Championship title in Bratislava. Despite the challenge, Woltemade believes in the team's potential, particularly their impressive streak, be it on the football field or in the community.
In the upcoming tournament, the fiery spirit of the young German players, reminiscent of football icons like Manuel Neuer, Serge Gnabry, and Florian Wirtz, will be on full display, much to the excitement of the local community and youth.
