Start of the U17 World Cup
Lightning start not enough: Germany drops points
Updated on November 4, 2025 – 5:56 p.mReading time: 8 minutes
Two years ago, Germany’s U17 juniors won the World Cup title for the first time. The mission to defend the title got off to a slow start.
Germany’s U17 national team dropped points at the start of the World Cup. The defending champions couldn’t get past a 1-1 draw against a strong Colombian team. A real lightning start didn’t help the DFB team either: Toni Langsteiner gave his team the lead in the first minute. However, the Germans completely missed the start of the second half and Juan Catano was able to equalize in the 57th minute. As a result, Germany got back into the game better, but it was no longer enough to score the winning goal.
With Colombia, however, Germany has already overcome its toughest opponent. The next German opponents in preliminary group G are North Korea on Friday and El Salvador on Monday. The World Cup runs until November 27th.
The complete game can be read in the ticker:
90th minute +9: But that doesn’t happen anymore. There’s the final whistle!
90th minute +8: Ley brings the ball sharply into the middle, but Mendoza grabs it and is left lying there again with a cramp. Colombia wants to change again now.
90th minute +7: The additional time should be extended again. It continues with a free kick. Mendoza defends the cross, but Colombia also fails on the counterattack. Mike comes from the left and is fouled again. Another free kick to the left of the penalty area. It could be the last action of the game.
90th minute +5: The Colombians are noticeably tired now. Germany dominates the game, but time is running out. Is there another opportunity? Kaba prevails in the center and is held. It’s a tactical foul, but you still don’t get a yellow card. Instead, Macias needs to be treated again. He is now being replaced.
90th minute +2: Germany takes another corner. Ley brings the ball in, but it goes too long. Eickel tries to get closer, but the ball bounces off his foot and out of the goal.
90th minute +1: There are six minutes of added time. Coach Meister also really turns things up on the sidelines and gives loud instructions.
90th minute: Germany changes again. Wisdom Mike from FC Bayern comes for Staff. Can he bring the decision?
88th minute: Germany now at least gets another free kick. From almost 30 meters and a half-left position, Is brings the ball into the middle. First the ball is cleared, but Colombia can’t get it away. Mendoza tries with his fist but doesn’t hit the ball properly. The play equipment rolls onto the post and then Mendoza can grab it. Almost the late lead for Germany!