Semi-final place and Olympic qualification secured
Semi-final place and Olympic qualification secured
After a 1-1 draw against Austria U21s in their final group game, Germany U21s secured their place in the European Championship semi-finals. Additionally, Stefan Kuntz’s side have qualified for next summer’s Olympic Games in Tokyo as one of Europe’s four best teams.
Not only did Kuntz’s side secure qualification for next summer’s U23s tournament in Japan, Germany also finished top of the group. The 1-1 draw with Austria U21s in Udine ensured that Germany are just one win away from a potential final as they look to defend the title won in Poland two years ago. The Hertha trio of Arne Maier, Maximilian Mittelstädt and new signing Eduard Löwen unfortunately didn’t feature on Sunday evening but will hope to play in the semi-final. “We used all the power we possess to progress to the semi-finals. We have made a little step forwards but it was incredibly difficult,” admitted U21s head coach Stefan Kuntz. Germany’s semi-final opponents and kick-off time is still unknown and is depending on the outcome of the final Group C matches on Monday.
Luca Waldschmidt gave Germany a 14th minute lead with a spectacular strike from 25 metres out as the Freiburg striker scored his fifth goal of the tournament. However, celebrations were cut short just ten minutes later as Austria were awarded a penalty. FC Augsburg defender Kevin Danso slotted the ball home to draw Austria level. This was the third goal Germany have conceded so far in the tournament and the third from the penalty spot. Nevertheless, this certainly didn’t dampen German spirits at the final whistle. “The pressure situations and overcoming adversities are some of the feelings the players should learn at major tournaments – the feeling of securing the result to progress instead of the result that sees you crash out of the tournament. Consequently, I’m very pleased,” summarised Kuntz.