Woltemade shines: German U21 team celebrates 3-0 opening victory!

Woltemade shines: German U21 team celebrates 3-0 opening victory!

Ort, Land - The German U21 national team celebrated a convincing prelude to the U21 European Championship on June 13, 2025. In the first group game, the German talents won 3-0 against Slovenia. Nick Woltemade was the star of the game and scored all three goals for the DFB team. Already in the 19th minute he opened the shooting with a header, which he achieved after a preparatory work by Tresoldi. Shortly before half -time, Woltemade increased to 2-0 after receiving the ball from Rosenfelder.

The first half was surprisingly lively for the Germans, with Slovenia's best chance being awarded in the 27th minute by a header from Cipot. In the second half, the German team managed the result. A penalty that was pronounced after a foul by Golic in the penalty area led to Woltemades third goal in the 82nd minute.

Overview of the U21-EM

The UFA European U21 soccer European Championship, which was launched in 1978 by the UEFA, is an important tournament for young players. National teams are eligible to participate, whose players have not yet reached the age of 21 at the beginning of the qualification. Up to 23-year-old players may also be represented in the squads. The competition not only serves to crown the best U21 team in Europe, but also acts as a qualification for the Olympic Games.

The group phase of the current final round comprises 16 teams that are divided into four groups. The best two teams of each group reach the knockout round. This means that the first and second -placed teams move into the quarter -finals, while the other countries have to leave prematurely. This structure has been retained since 2021 and has proven to be successful in making the competition more exciting and accessible.

more results of the first match day

As part of the first match day of the U21 European Championship, England also achieved a significant victory. The team won 3-1 against the Czech U21. Elliot put England in the lead with a low shot in the 39th minute. The Czech Republic had the opportunity to compensate, but was successfully stopped by England. Rowe increased the result to 2: 0 in the 48th minute. Despite a connection hit by Fila for the Czech Republic in the 51st minute, Cresswell restored the old gap in the 76th minute and thus made the end result of 3: 1 perfect.

Another exciting game was offered between the Netherlands and Finland, which ended with a 2-2 draw. Finland took over a surprising 2-0 lead at half-time thanks to the gates of Terho and Keskinen. The Dutch in the second half were able to shorten Valente to 1: 2 before Poku achieved the equalization in added time.

These first games not only show the talents that grow in the European leagues, but also the high competitive pressure that prevails throughout the U21 European Championship. The importance of the competition is also reflected in the selection of the best young players who may be found in the main cadres of the A national teams in the coming years.