Everything about the U21 tournament
The EM, where Moukoko wants to be a big one
06/21/2023, 12:07 p.m
The DFB juniors start the U21 European Championship as defending champions. In Georgia and Romania it’s not just about winning, but also about qualifying for the Olympic Games. Some players are missing, others want to use the stage for themselves.
Who is Germany playing against and what are the team’s chances?
Germany has recently reached the final three times in a row and won the tournaments in 2017 and 2021. Nevertheless, the team does not travel to the European Championship as the top favourite. The Olympic qualification is the minimum goal. First opponent is on Thursday (6 p.m./Sat.1 and in the ntv.de live ticker) Israel, against whom Germany narrowly prevailed twice in qualifying. Then it’s against the Czech Republic (June 25) and EM co-favorite England (June 28).
How does the tournament work and who are the favourites?
The top two teams in each of the four groups of four qualify for the Quarterfinals. There, the German opponent would come from Group A, in which 2021 finalists Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium and co-hosts Georgia play. Alongside England, France are traveling with the nominally strongest squad and are therefore considered top favourites.
Which stars are there?
The biggest star in the German team is striker Youssoufa Moukoko from Borussia Dortmund. Kevin Schade and Josha Vagnoman also have experience in the senior national team. International focus is on Bayern’s Ryan Gravenberch (Netherlands), Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe and Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott (both England), Gladbach’s Manu Koné (France), Milan’s Sandro Tonali (Italy) and the Ukrainian Mykhailo Mudryk from Chelsea.
Why are players like Florian Wirtz and other stars missing?
Germany is without its top talents Wirtz and Jamal Musiala as well as central defender Malick Thiaw, who are permanent members of national coach Hansi Flick’s team. Georgian Chwitscha Kvarazchelia from SSC Napoli canceled his participation at short notice. Other stars who are still under 21 have long been part of the senior national teams and are therefore missing: England’s Jude Bellingham, Norway’s Erling Haaland, Spaniards Gavi and Pedri and Frenchman Aurélien Tchouaméni.
Who buys the Olympic ticket?
In addition to hosts France, three other teams will qualify for the 2024 games in Paris. England cannot buy the ticket because there is a Great Britain team at the Olympics. If neither England nor France advance to the semi-finals, there will be a play-off match between the two semi-final losers. If both France and England are in the semi-finals, the play-off will be between the top two quarter-final losers. These are determined based on success in the group stage.
Where is the game played?
The German team will play their preliminary round games in Georgia. It starts in the country’s third largest city, Kutaisi, against Israel. The other two preliminary round games will take place in Batumi on the Black Sea, where the German team will also be based. The quarterfinals could go to the capital Tbilisi, a possible Olympic playoff would be played in the Romanian capital Bucharest.
Where can you watch the games on TV?
The games of the German team can be seen on free TV on Sat.1. ProSieben Maxx, ran.de and Joyn will show all other matches of the tournament live.