Despite a long majority and two penalties, Germany’s U21s only drew against their first opponent at the European Championship, Israel. First Youssoufa Moukoko missed, then Jessic Ngankam.
The two attackers from Borussia Dortmund and Hertha BSC failed to Israel goalkeeper Daniel Peretz, who lived up to his reputation as a penalty killer. The goals in the 1-1 (1-1) on Thursday (June 22, 2023) in Kutaisi, Georgia, were scored by Israel’s Dor Turgeman (20th minute) and Germany’s captain Yann Bisseck (26th). After a yellow card for Eden Karzev (45′), Germany played in the majority in the second half, but found it difficult to create chances.
Moukoko misses a penalty kick
The game had started in front of 2,442 spectators, rainy and eventful with a clumsy foul in the Israeli penalty area by Roy Revivo on Kevin Schade. However, Borussia Dortmund’s Youssoufa Moukoko shot the penalty too laxly into the left corner, Israel goalkeeper Daniel Peretz saved.
The game remained lively afterwards with many goalscoring, often favored by mistakes on both sides. Germany goalkeeper Noah Atubolu of SC Freiburg botched a back pass in the 13th minute but made up for it with a powerful save with his foot.
Bisseck first passive, then dangerous
Israel’s opening goal was a strong individual action by Turgeman: The attacker left Bisseck in the penalty area with a hook and hit well and well placed. Bisseck acted too hesitantly, but retaliated with the equalizer six minutes later: the 1.96 meter tall central defender from Aarhus GF headed a sharp free-kick from Angelo Stiller into the left corner.
The equalizer was deserved, Germany were the more active team and improved in the closing stages of the first half. Josha Vagnoman even got the ball on target with a long-range shot, but referee Willy Delajod of France penalized Moukoko for offside in goalkeeper Peretz’s field of vision. Shortly before the half-time whistle, Israel’s central midfielder Eden Karzev had to leave the field after a tackle with yellow-red – a tough decision.
problems in excess
In the second round, the game had significantly fewer goal area scenes. With a majority, Germany had greater problems than before to finish the game. Israel retreated, narrowing the space and limited to counterattacks.
Fifteen minutes before the end, Israel captain Gil Cohen awkwardly elbowed Tom Krauss down in the penalty area. Again there were penalties for Germany – and again Peretz parried strongly. Ngankam was the scorer this time, Brentford FC’s Kevin Schade fired the margin wide of the empty goal.
Now against the Czech Republic
Before the start of the tournament in Romania and Georgia, U21 national coach Antonio Di Salvo had to put up with numerous absentees from regular players. Nevertheless, the goal remains the qualification for the 2024 Olympics, where the hosts France and the three best nations of the European Championship can start. Germany reached the finals of the three most recent European Championships, and even won the title in 2017 and 2021.
The DFB team continues on Sunday at 6 p.m. with the game against the Czech Republic. The final group game against England follows on Wednesday at 6 p.m. Both games will take place in the port city of Batumi and can be heard in the Sportschau audio live stream.