The dream of the DFB talents lives on: Germany is in the semi-finals of the U17 World Cup in Indonesia after a 1-0 (0-0) win against Spain. Paris Brunner scored the goal of the day on Friday (November 24th, 2023). On Tuesday (November 28th, 2023), coach Christian Wück’s team will play against Argentina for a place in the final.
Against the extremely strong Spaniards, who largely dominated the game in Jakarta in front of 8,379 spectators, an individual performance from Brunner ensured the quarter-final success. First, the offensive talent from Borussia Dortmund dribbled into the opponent’s penalty area and was fouled by Hector Fort for a penalty – then the 17-year-old also converted the penalty (64th minute).
In the eleventh minute of added time, Spain goalkeeper Raúl Jiménez Latorre was shown a red card after an emergency stop.
Defense ensures victory
In addition to Brunner, who was suspended from BVB a few months ago and then pardoned, it was primarily due to a strong defensive performance that the German team now has its sights set on the World Cup title after its triumph at the European Championship last summer .
A block of six FC Barcelona talents dominated the opposition, including center forward Marc Guiu, who had already attracted attention with a winning goal for the Barca professionals. Guiu was also responsible for the winning goal in the round of 16 against Japan (2-1). With temperatures above 30 degrees and high humidity, the well-rehearsed Iberians took control of the game. With more than 80 percent possession of the ball and fine combinations, Spain repeatedly appeared dangerous in front of the German goal, and the Wück team held up robustly.
Wück announced the standard decision
That’s why goalkeeper Max-Joseph Schmitt only rarely had to intervene (five opposing shots on goal) – and was there when he was called upon, as were the people in front of him. In the games so far, the German team has particularly stood out for its strong offensive performances, scoring three goals in all games. Thanks to the defense, a great move from Brunner was enough against Spain.
“I told the guys in the dressing room that we can rely on any set piece“said coach Wück.”And if we keep a clean sheet at the back and continue to fight with such self-sacrifice – what defines the Germans – then we will win the game. And that’s exactly how it happened.”