13.
18:36
On the left, Yuito Suzuki is marching forward at pace. Instead of picking up a teammate on the right, he tries to get into the penalty area himself. But Yann Bisseck takes the ball from him with good positional play.
11.
18:33
Germany is stuck in the opposing half. The entire team has advanced. The guests’ back team wobbles a bit, but finally clears the ball for a corner.
9.
18:31
Big chance for the DFB-Elf! Zion Suzuki parried a shot from Jessic Ngankam to the side. Faride Alidou is on the right post for a follow-up shot, but Suzuki clears the shot from close range with a powerful save from the corner. The ball has to be in there!
7.
18:28
The Japanese are biting in the duels. They get down to business a bit too rough. They are called off twice for foul play.
4.
18:22
The German team makes a lively start. After winning the ball, the youngsters quickly look for a way forward. In the last third, however, there is still a lack of penetrating power. The guests from Japan try it with long balls – no problem for the DFB defense.
1.
18:17
The ball rolls! Which team gets the better start to the game?
18:13
Japan was already on a trip to Europe at the end of last year. In Spain, Go Oiwa’s side lost 2-0. Japan beat Portugal 2-1 with a goal in added time. Antonio Di Salvo expects an opponent who will challenge his team properly – just right for a successful tournament preparation.
17:58
After the successful qualification there were two defeats against France (0:1) and England (1:3). At the end of the year, the DFB-Juniors defeated Italy 4:2. In comparison, the starting XI changed to four positions: Jordan Beyer, Ansgar Knauff, Faride Alidou and Jessic Ngankam started for Malick Thiaw, Lazar Samardžić, Kevin Schade and Jan Thielmann.
17:43
“All players have the chance to show themselves. Everyone has the chance to be part of the European Championship,” said Antonio Di Salvo on Thursday before the final training session. With Kevin Schade, Josha Vagnoman, Malick Thiaw and Felix Nmecha called up for the senior team and some players absent through injury, other players will have the opportunity to recommend themselves. “It’s always about improving as a team,” said the coach.
17:37
For Antonio Di Salvo’s side, the encounter is the penultimate test ahead of the U21 European Championships in Georgia and Romania, which begin in June. There his team meets the Czech Republic, England and Israel in the preliminary round group C. The DFB Youngsters qualified as group leaders with only one defeat.
17:13
Hello and welcome to the clash between the U21 national teams of Germany and Japan. Kick-off is at 6:15 p.m. in the PSD Bank Arena in Frankfurt am Main. Have fun!