Recordman Noah Atubolu had no desire for a big party after moving into the European Championship final. Not yet.
“We are not yet finished. We still have a big goal, it goes even further,” said the goalkeeper of the German U21 after the 3-0 (2-0) against France, in which he himself became a celebrated main actor.
On the one hand, the goalkeeper of SC Freiburg with his 21st assignment replaced none other than Manuel Neuer as record goalkeepers of the German U21.
And on the other hand, the 23-year-old showed one brilliant parade after another in Kosice. “That was my most important and best U21 game,” said Atubolu at “Sat.1”. Above all, his sensational reaction is remembered by Thierno Barry (68th).
Atubolu had worn the U21 jersey for the first time in March 2022, and he was already in goal at the European Championship 2023. “Noah plays an outstanding European championship,” said DFB coach Antonio Di Salvo: “We added him three years ago because we knew that he was a top goalkeeper, a talent. I have no idea about it, but the goalkeeper coach said, take him. And that’s why he deserves to play so many games.”
“Now we want the title”
Once again, Atubolu will be guarding the U21 goal, the final on Saturday against England (9:00 p.m.) will be the last mission in the most important German U team for most of the team. And the goal is clear. “Now we want the title too,” said Atubolu.
His Freiburg club colleague Max Rosenfelder will then be missing, the defense chief had to be replaced early. After the final whistle, Rosenfelder stood the tears in his eyes.
“He felt that something happened there. We are very, very sorry for Max. Now we have to try to get the thing for Max,” said Di Salvo.
Germany was already met in England in the preliminary round, despite the complete rotation, the DFB team won 2: 1. For Di Salvo, however, this encounter has no meaning. “We can’t buy anything for the game in the preliminary round. But we can go into the final with a lot of confidence and self-confidence, and we do that,” said the DFB coach.
Di Salvo can be a European champion for the fourth time, but for the first time as a boss. In 2014, as an assistant coach of Marcus Sorg, he won the U19, in 2017 and 2021 as an assistant to Stefan Kuntz with the U21. “It is different from the head coach. You hold your head there, have to make decisions. And that’s why it feels good,” said the 46-year-old at “Sat.1”.
Before the European Championship, the DFB had extended the contract with DI Salvo until July 31, 2027. A good decision, as Andreas Rettig confirmed again on Wednesday. “We were convinced by Toni and are still,” said the DFB managing director.