Aachen (dpa) – Despite the joy of their impressive 4-0 signal, the German U21 footballers around the convincing double packer Jonathan Burkardt did not board the plane to Tel Aviv completely relaxed.
Anticipation of a special journey, but also respect for the great sporting task accompanied the team on Saturday on the way to the first showdown in the European Championship qualifier on March 29 (5 p.m. / ProSieben Maxx) in Petach Tikwa against pursuer Israel.
“Not much has changed in the situation,” said U21 coach Antonio Di Salvo after the 4-0 (3-0) win over Latvia in Aachen. “The group constellation is very tight and we know that we have to approach every game with great concentration.” With a win against rival Israel, the young footballers could take a big step towards a ticket to the European Championship. In Georgia and Romania they want to defend the title of their predecessors in 2023.
Three-way battle for the EM ticket
The clear 4:0 despite major personnel worries was also a signal to the direct competitors in the three-way battle for the EM ticket. Poland and Israel had previously drawn 2-2, so Di Salvo’s side took the lead in the group again and are now two points clear of Israel and four over Poland, who are Germany’s last opponents after Hungary in June. Only the group winner buys the ticket directly, eight out of nine runners-up have to go to the playoffs.
Di Salvo’s team put up with almost a dozen absentees against Latvia, also because captain Jonathan Burkardt scored twice (25th/43rd minute) and shone with a strong performance in attacking midfield. Angelo Stiller, who had just recovered from an injury, and goal scorer Ansgar Knauff (26th) also impressed. Substitute Malik Tillman made it 4-0 (75′), but U21 debutant Noah Atubolu also played a major role in the win, making two strong saves and even saving a penalty (66′). “It was the second season this season,” said the keeper of SC Freiburg’s third division team with a grin. “He reacted really well twice,” praised Di Salvo.
A “special journey” for the U21 footballers
Atubolu and the other newcomers should be just as important against Israel as the few remaining established players around Captain Burkardt, as the personnel situation remains difficult and unpredictable. “We have learned to reassess the situation from day to day. But we have candidates up our sleeves in case something happens,” said Di Salvo, looking at his nominees and possible new injuries after the game against the robust Latvians.
In terms of sport, the trip to Israel will be important and challenging for the U21 footballers, but Di Salvo and his team are also looking forward to a “special trip” off the pitch. A meeting with a Holocaust survivor is also on the program for the young team. “Experiencing Israel, absorbing history, that’s very interesting,” said Di Salvo, who also promised: “We’ll regenerate well and want to win this game too.”