U21 different from A-Team: feelings of happiness and self-confidence
Even without a goal of his own, Youssoufa Moukoko was in a great mood. The other goal guarantor of the German U21 national team was looking forward to a belated cabin party to celebrate his 19th birthday and free drinks. "They have to spend it. We all expect that," said Moukoko with a laugh about the trio of goalscorers Eric Martel, Nick Woltemade and Merlin Röhl in the 3:1 European Championship qualifier against Poland.
All three scored for the first time for coach Antonio Di Salvo's team. They ensured that, unlike coach Julian Nagelsmann's senior team, the young German footballers went into the long international break feeling happy and full of confidence.
Adeyemi withdrawal - U21 collectively strong
The team spirit of the U21s, who improved enormously after a difficult first half, was particularly impressive in the group's top match. The fact that Moukoko, who had previously scored six goals in three qualifying matches, did not have any luck this time was made up for by the team as a whole.
"We all turned the game around together - whether we were on the pitch or not. That shows that we're a bunch who just want to play soccer," said Moukoko and Di Salvo emphasized: "It's very important for the team to see that you don't have to rely on individuals." Soccer is "not a one-man show".
Even the much-discussed withdrawal of Borussia Dortmund's Karim Adeyemi did not upset the team. "You just have to accept that he didn't come because he wants to work hard in Dortmund," said Moukoko about his team-mate, who has also played for the senior national team. "There's a reason why he's not here. And we respect that."
Others played themselves into the limelight against Poland. Nick Woltemade in particular impressed after coming on as a substitute. The 21-year-old scored the 2:1 himself and set up the third German goal. "We got a lot of energy from the bench," said Röhl. "Nick played a great game. He did a great job of keeping the ball in front of my goal and scored a goal himself. That was a real asset."
Woltemade jersey goes to the parents
The goals and his own performance were also so important for Woltemade because he is currently going through a difficult phase at Werder Bremen. He has only played from the start once in the Bundesliga this season and has yet to score a goal.
Accordingly, the attacker wants to cherish the jersey in which he scored his U21 debut goal. "Most of the jerseys that mean something to me go to my parents - I don't want to get any stupid ideas and give them away," he said. "So it will also go to my parents."
After the win, Germany now has the best chance of making it to the 2025 European Championships in Slovakia. The Di Salvo team leads Group D ahead of Poland, who are level on points, and still has a game in hand.
- Despite Karim Adeyemi's absence, the DFB U21 team showed collective strength, with Nick Woltemade stepping up to score a goal and provide an assist.
- During the European Championship qualifier against Poland, the U21 team proved that soccer is not a one-man show, as they all contributed to the team's resurgence after a tough first half.
- Youssoufa Moukoko praised the team spirit of the U21 squad, who managed to turn the game around collectively, even without their prolific goalscorer scoring himself.
Source: www.dpa.com
