Table top of the EM-Qualification
U21 triumphs with a dream goal and Burkardt
03/25/2022, 8:09 p.m
After the triumph at the 2021 European Championship, the German U21 national team is determined to also take part in the 2023 European Championship. The qualifier against Latvia didn’t pose any major problems for coach Antonio Di Salvo’s team thanks to a lively performance and a strong Jonathan Burkardt.
Two goals, one assist: Led by captain Jonathan Burkardt, the German U21 national team stayed on course for the 2023 European Championship with a reserve team. Despite a flood of cancellations, the team of DFB coach Antonio di Salvo recorded a sovereign 4: 0 (3: 0) against Latvia and got the sixth three in the seventh qualifying game.
The outstanding Mainz Burkardt (25th/43rd), Ansgar Knauff from Eintracht Frankfurt (26th) and Bayern professional Malik Tillman (75th) scored in front of 7718 spectators at Aachen Tivoli, including Bernd Neuendorf in his first international match as DFB President . With 18 points, the defending champions in Group B took first place ahead of Israel (16). On Tuesday, both teams will meet head-to-head in Petach Tikva.
“The fans are looking at the U21s again and what’s growing there,” said Alemannia fan Neuendorf before kick-off in view of the stately backdrop. The spectators got to see a German team that was superior from the start, but the many changes were noticeable. In addition to numerous injuries, there were also four corona cases.
Good chances for the EM
The powerful Burkardt set the accents as the game went on and was also involved in the reassuring double pack within 25 seconds. The 21-year-old first used a right-footed shot after Tom Krauß (1. FC Nürnberg) had won the ball. A little later he staged Knauff, who increased with a low shot into the far post.
The one-sided encounter was as good as decided, but the DFB team’s thirst for goals was not yet satisfied. With a skillful flick into the far corner, Burkardt scored his ninth goal in the U21 shirt before the break.
After the break, Germany shifted down a gear in what was now a tough encounter. Burkardt missed the chance for his third goal (61st), a few seconds later he left the field in a quadruple substitution. On the other side, goalkeeper Noah Atubolu from SC Freiburg parried a penalty kick (66th) on his U21 debut, which was highly controversial anyway. Tillman raised with a low shot.
The DFB team will fly to Tel Aviv on Saturday to prepare for the top game. Even a draw would be enough to defend first place. Only the group winners are sure to advance to the finals in Romania and Georgia.