Soaring High After a Stumble: Germany Seeks EM U21 Redemption in Slovakia
Youth Team U21 Kicks Off with Questionable Tactics, Nagelsmann Imposes Directives in European Match
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Following their disappointing showing at the 2023 tournament, the German U21 football team is eager to script a magical EM experience in Slovakia, chasing after their fourth title. A new heavily-touted prodigy leads the charge, a remarkable win streak fuels optimism, and Nagelsmann sets a challenging mission from the senior national team.
Julian Nagelsmann sends his well-wishes to Nick Woltemade and the U21 squad as they kick off their EM journey with high hopes. “Let’s bring something amazing back to Germany,” said Woltemade, reflecting upon the memory of a victory ceremony akin to the last one after being crowned second division champions. The German U21 team aims to replicate the titles of Manuel Neuer (2009), Serge Gnabry (2017), and Florian Wirtz (2021). DFB sports director Rudi Völler claims, “U21 is the foundation for everything, and thus it’s a crucial team and competition.”
The disappointment of the Nations League project has left the junior squad eager to make a comeback as continental champions.
Tumultuous Season Leads to EM Showdown
Antonio Di Salvo's team enters the EM competition on June 23, facing Slovenia in Nitra, northeast of Bratislava, just a day after the tournament opens with heavyweight contenders like Spain and France[1]. “Every tournament start is significant,” stated Woltemade, reflecting upon their unfortunate 2023 campaign, where everything went awry in just two games[2]. But since their 0:2 group final loss to England in 2023, the German U21 remains unbeaten.
Losing Key Stars, but Still Packing a Punch
“We can’t measure our progress through what we can’t buy," said Atubolu, referring to the absence of key players like Jonas Urbig, Tom Bischof, Maxi Beier, and Karim Adeyemi, who will miss the European Championship due to the Club World Cup[1]. Despite these setbacks, Di Salvo, whose contract has been extended, insisted, “We have a good team, and the excitement among them is immense.” The much-needed addition to the team is Paul Wanner, on loan from Bayern Munich to Heidenheim. Youssoufa Moukoko, loaned to Nice by Borussia Dortmund, was not selected due to a lack of form and playing time.
Putting Down the Ugly Games
Despite their motivating 3:1 victory against Spain in their last official match before the EM, where Moukoko was absent, Woltemade is cautiously optimistic. “We demonstrated against many opponents that we can easily keep up, but it doesn't really matter who we face,” said Woltemade. Regardless of their opponents, Germany sets sights on progressing through the tournament. “We don’t have to hide and can enter the matches with a lot of confidence, but it doesn’t help to overemphasize how extraordinary and invincible we are,” stated captain Martel[1].
The Road to Bratislava Awaits
With the semi-finals and the final scheduled to take place in Bratislava on June 28, Jan Thielmann isn't mincing his words. “Of course, our ambition is to reach the final in Bratislava and secure the title.”
Source: ntv.de, Christian Kunz, Tom Bachmann, and Michael Rossmann, dpa
FootballGerman Junior TeamEuropean Championships
[1] ntv.de: German Junior Team Ready for the European Championships
[2] ntv.de: German Junior Team Destroy Slovakia in the EM Opener
[3] ntv.de: German Junior Team's Path to EM U21 Glory
In the pursuit of redemption, the German U21 football team, led by new prodigies, prepares to compete in the European Championships. The team, backed by a remarkable win streak and a challenging mission from the senior national team, aims to engage the local community and inspire the youth by scripting a magical EM experience in Slovakia, seeking their fourth title, mirroring past champions like Manuel Neuer, Serge Gnabry, and Florian Wirtz.
With the European Championship serving as a foundation for the senior national team, the tournament is a crucial opportunity for the German U21 squad to demonstrates their growth and potential in football, fueling optimism within both the community and the nation's youth.
