German U17s reach World Cup final after winning on penalties
The German U17 national team led by double goalscorer Paris Brunner has reached the final of the World Cup in Indonesia. Coach Christian Wück's team won a thrilling semi-final against Argentina 4:2 on penalties in Surakarta.
The score after regulation time was 3:3 (1:2). In the penalty shoot-out that immediately followed, goalkeeper Konstantin Heide saved Argentina's first two penalties on his World Cup debut. Heide deputized for regular goalkeeper Max Schmitt, who was ill. Brunner then made the difference.
In hot and humid conditions, the Dortmund player gave the DFB team an early lead (9th minute). After a double strike from designated top scorer Agustin Ruberto (36th/45th/4th minute), Brunner also equalized (58th). Hoffenheim's Max Moerstedt headed the ball back into the lead (69'). Ruberto equalized in the seventh minute of stoppage time.
Their opponents in Saturday's final will be either France or Mali. Only once before in the history of the tournament has the DFB made it to the final. In 1985, the team led by top scorer Marcel Witeczek was beaten 2-0 by Nigeria. At that time, U16 teams were still competing against each other.
The German U17 team, managed by Christian Wück, will face either France or Mali in the World Cup final, aiming to win their first WM title in the U17 category.goalkeeper Konstantin Heide, who stepped in for the ill Max Schmitt, was instrumental in securing the DFB junior's victory by saving two penalties during the shootout.
Source: www.dpa.com
