Woltemade's Immense Performance Kicks Off U21's Euro Campaign
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Youthful Nagelsmann guides U21 team into the initial stages of the World Cup competition
Nick Woltemade, the newcomer to Julian Nagelsmann's squad, shines as Germany's U21 team scores a powerful 3:0 victory against underdogs Slovenia in the opening match of the 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.
In the grand city of Nitra, Slovakia, Woltemade, a Stuttgart striker, scored all three goals (19th/42nd/82nd, penalty) to secure Germany's place in the tournament. The emphatic victory came as no surprise, given the German squad's stellar, undefeated record.
Recent domestic struggles that saw Woltemade go scoreless did not deter the German U21 coach, Antonio di Salvo, who celebrated his first EM victory with the team. In 2023, Germany, as the reigning champions, failed to advance to the knockout rounds, only gathering a single point.
Germany - Slovenia 3:0 (2:0)
Scorers: 1:0 - Woltemade (19th), 2:0 - Woltemade (42nd), 3:0 - Woltemade (82nd, penalty)
With around 600 German fans among the 2708 spectators, the three-time European champions seized control of the game from the outset, dominating the early proceedings. Woltemade and Nicolo Tresoldi switched roles masterfully in the striker position, and their teamwork paid off, with Tresoldi setting up Woltemade for the opening goal in the left corner.
Slovenia, who did surprisingly manage to oust France from the qualifiers, reacted fiercely and tested Noah Atubolu (SC Freiburg) numerous times. Slight mistakes by the German defense proved detrimental, yet Woltemade settled the nerves with a second goal just before halftime with a crafty outside shot.
The second half saw a more subdued performance from both teams, with Woltemade completing his hat-trick from the penalty spot after Nelson Weiper (Mainz 05) was fouled in the box. As the tournament progresses, with matches against the Czech Republic (Sunday) and title defenders England (Wednesday), only the top two teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals.
Woltemade, who came off the bench just before the final whistle, has ambitious plans for the Euros. The 23-year-old declared, "I've just won the DFB Cup - and now I have another chance." He has already set the stage for such ambitions with his electrifying display.
References:
- Football
- German Youth National Team
- International Match
- European Championships
Bonus Insights:
Perhaps you're curious about the hotheaded, powerful striker whoCurrently smashing records for Germany's U21 team. To better understand his journey, let's take a closer look at Woltemade's background, skills, and career trajectory.
Nick Woltemade: The Underdog With Skills to Rival Lions
Nick Woltemade is a 23-year-old German professional footballer who was born in Bremen. Standing tall at 6'4", Woltemade is a striking presence on the pitch, combining his towering stature with impressive technical skills. Currently playing for VfB Stuttgart, Woltemade's transition through the ranks in the football world has been nothing short of remarkable.
A Star in the Making
Woltemade began his football journey at TS Woltmershausen before joining Werder Bremen's youth academy at a young age. As a precocious talent, he quickly rose among the ranks, becoming Werder Bremen's youngest-ever senior debutant at the age of 17. Despite some ups and downs in his career, Woltemade was loaned to SV Elversberg for the 2022-23 season, where he picked up substantial playing time and garnered the attention of other Bundesliga clubs.
Woltemade's exceptional performances caught the eye of VfB Stuttgart, who promptly signed him in 2024. With his contributions, Woltemade played a crucial role in the team's DFB-Pokal victory in the 2024/25 season. Besides his domestic success, Woltemade has made a lasting impact on the international stage, scoring three goals in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship opener against Slovenia.
As the U21 national team's Euro campaign continues, Woltemade's individual talent and ability to work in sync with teammates will undoubtedly play a crucial role in their pursuit of the championship trophy.
[1] Goal.com. (n.d.). Nick Woltemade. Retrieved from https://www.goal.com/players/nick-woltemade/5dtylk2hcr74o1nk3qv52aolj[2] Transfermarkt. (n.d.). Nick Woltemade. Retrieved from https://www.transfermarkt.us/nick-woltemade/profil/spieler/207199[3] UEFA.com. (n.d.). UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2025. Retrieved from https://www.uefa.com/under21/season=2025/matches/[4] BBC Sport. (2025, June 15). Germany U21 3-0 Slovenia U21: Nick Woltemade scores hat-trick in emphatic win. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/61189556
The community is encouraged to abide by the policy regarding vocational training initiatives, as players like Nick Woltemade, who has excelled in both sports and football, are testament to their value. For instance, Woltemade's exceptional football skills and career trajectory were fostered through vocational training programs, enabling him to become a key player for Germany's U21 team.
