U21 European Championship qualification
DFB team catches up from a two-goal deficit – but still loses
October 10, 2025 – 8:00 p.mReading time: 1 min.
After an early 0:2, the German team showed morale and equalized after the break. But a goal out of nowhere sealed their first defeat since the European Championship final.
Setback for the German U21 national team in qualifying for the 2027 European Championship. The DFB juniors lost 2-3 to Greece in Jena and thus missed out on making it to first place in their group.
Germany had to cope with an early double blow. Within two minutes, coach Antonio di Salvo’s team was 0-2 behind. First, the Greeks took the lead after a well-rehearsed free kick variation (13th).
As soon as the ball was back in play, it was already floundering in the German net. Goalkeeper Seimen, who played in place of the injured Mio Backhaus and Noah Atubolu, who was promoted to the senior team, missed a back pass against Tzimas immediately after the restart. The ex-Nuremberg player didn’t miss the chance and shot in from close range (14th).
As a result, the German team ran, but Nelson Weiper failed to hit the post more than once in the first half (45+1).
After the break, the DFB team followed suit with the Greeks and scored two goals within a few minutes to equalize. First Damar managed to connect from a tight angle (54′), then Union’s Tom Rothe was there with a header after a corner (59′) – 2:2.
Germany kept the pace high and pushed for the lead. But the guests got them back when they took advantage of one of their very few opportunities in the second half through Rallis (81′).