Germany’s U21 national team was not able to get in the mood for the European Football Championship this summer with the hoped-for sense of achievement.
Almost three months before the start of the European Championship, coach Antonio Di Salvo’s team couldn’t get past a 0-0 draw against Romania in Sibiu on Tuesday (March 28th, 2023).
The defending champion is still waiting for his first victory in the year of the European Championship. Without numerous regular players, the German team showed a committed performance, but did not make enough of their opportunities.
Against Israel in 86 days
It was the last official test match for the selection of the German Football Association before the start of the European Championships in Georgia and Romania. The defending champions have their first European Championship game against Israel in 86 days. Other opponents in the group stage are England and the Czech Republic.
Until then, Di Salvo only has the training camp in South Tyrol with two friendlies in June to prepare his team. In the substitutes Kenneth Schmidt and Henning Matriciani, he gave two other debutants a chance of probation.
Germany dominant but not consistent
The game in Sibiu started as Di Salvo predicted: intense and hard-fought. “We have prepared the team for the fact that there is no time to play calmly here, that there is a direct kick to the socks”said the 43-year-old before kick-off.
Driven by the 11,372 fans in the sold-out arena in Transylvania, the hosts went into the duels uncompromisingly and aggressively. Three yellow cards in the first quarter of an hour – two of them for the German selection – were proof of this.
More ball possession, few clear chances
Germany dominated the game and had more possession, Romania switched quickly and waited for counterattacks. Hertha BSC striker Jessic Ngankam had his first chance of the game four days after making his much-lauded debut in the 2-2 defeat of Japan. His shot from around 15 meters out was no problem for the Romanian keeper (11th minute). Captain Yannik Keitel’s attempt from the edge of the penalty area was blocked (23′).
EM co-host Romania was particularly dangerous with set pieces and after transition situations. The greatest chance was defused by Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu, who was safe again and saved Stefan Baiaram’s header after a corner (33′).
Stiller misses a great goal chance
The German team lacked pace, especially in the second half. The eleven did not play the few promising opportunities consistently enough. Midfielder Angelo Stiller missed the best chance in the second half. The Hoffenheimer did not head free in front of the goal with pressure and placed enough (55th).