Not completely confident: German U21 beats Czech Republic and advances to quarter-finals

Paul Nebel (left) and Nick Woltemade each celebrated a goal of their own. IMAGO/DeFodi Images

The German national team had the chance to secure a place in the quarterfinals on the second matchday of the group stage against the Czech Republic. A win would guarantee Antonio Di Salvo's team a place in the next round. For this match, the coach fielded the same starting eleven as in their 3-0 opening victory against Slovenia. At the other end, the Czechs made two substitutions: Kricfalusi started in place of Stransky, and Karabec, still with Hamburg, was given the starting no. 10 position in place of Danek.

The German team had an early chance: After a one-two with Woltemade, Nebel was in a good shooting position on the right side of the penalty area, but his shot went just over the bar (3'). A hard-fought match then developed, with Germany having a clear advantage on the pitch, but the Czech Republic being very energetic in the duels and looking dangerous on the counterattack.

There were no big chances on either side, mainly due to the German national team's inability to get the final pass to the right man. That changed in the 34th minute: Nebel played a good high ball into the path of Collins, who powerfully played it in front of goal, where Tresoldi was in the right place and pushed the ball over the line. The 1-0 lead for Germany was deserved, and it served as the opening goal.

The Germans then pushed for a 2-0 lead and rewarded themselves with a counterattack before the break. Reitz sent Woltemade on his way, the Stuttgart player made a strong run through and laid off Nebel, who converted from ten meters (41'). The 2-0 lead was also the halftime score.

The second half began leisurely until Reitz delivered a beautiful cross in the 58th minute. Woltemade showed that he has more than just technique with his feet, heading home the ball to make it 3-0. Shortly after, Martel made it 4-0 after a shot from Gruda was blocked too short (58th).

Everything seemed poised for a comfortable quarterfinal run, but immediately after the 4-0 lead, the German team conceded an own goal out of nowhere – Arrey-Mbi was the unlucky one (60th minute). This goal gave the Czechs new courage. Suddenly, they were more active going forward and, just six minutes later, made it 2-4. Spacil converted after Rosenfelder's header cleared too short (66th minute).

Germany faltered somewhat after this goal - two more good Czech chances followed in the 72nd and 77th minutes - but ultimately Woltemade and Co. were able to pull themselves together and bring the lead home with relative ease.