"Full concentration on the Czech Republic" – this is Christian Wück’s motto for the U17s last group game at the European Championship today (18:00 CEST) in Stara Zagora. The DFB manager isn’t concerning himself with all the mathematical permutations. It’s also not necessary for him to do so because his side currently top Group B with six points, followed by Belgium and the Czech Republic (both three points). Slovenia prop up the group (no groups).
A draw would be enough for Germany to top the group and secure passage to the EURO 2015 quarterfinals in Bulgaria. "That doesn’t mean though that we’re just going to play for a draw," remarked Christian Wück. "Something could go completely wrong. Just like in the first two games, we’re going out there to win."
Doubts over Eggestein and Schmidt
The U17s are set to come up against an aggressive opponent in the Czech Republic. "The Czech Republic press you very high in your own half," commented Wück. That holds risks and allows for chances. "You have to be solid and accurate in playing your way out of defence, otherwise they’re lightning quick," explained the DFB manager. "If our side succeeds in doing just that, there are gaps in the opposition defence, which we’ve made our players aware of, which they can exploit." Accordingly, two of the main areas covered in the last training session were build-up play and going over game scenarios.
Niklas Schmidt and Johannes Eggestein both completed a separate session with light running exercises. Both players picked up knocks in the Slovenia game, in which Eggestein scored the winning goal. It’ll be decided whether they’re both available for selection shortly before kick-off. Either way, Christian Wück is still thinking about making one or another changes to the starting line-up and formation “due to tactical considerations."
"It’s in our hands"
Despite their current comfortable position, the U17s shouldn’t consider the outcome a foregone conclusion. Should the Czech Republic win by a clear margin and Belgium defeat Slovenia, Germany would be at risk of being knocked out the competition. If the three teams all finished with six points, only the results of matches against each other would count. "We’re not too concerned about this happening," announced Wück. "It’s in our own hands to secure passage through to the quarterfinals and not require a calculator to separate the sides."
The 41-year-old refused to discuss possible quarterfinal opponents. Croatia are currently the best placed team in Group A with six points. They are followed by Spain (four points) and Austria (one point), but their future in the tournament is dependent on the outcome of the match between Croatia and Spain. Hosts Bulgaria have failed to pick up any points so far and no longer stand any chance of progressing.
The U17s are prepared for whoever they may come up against. "We’ve observed all three teams in Group A and have collected every grain of information," explained Wück. "We’re prepared for all eventualities."
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"Full concentration on the Czech Republic" – this is Christian Wück’s motto for the U17s last group game at the European Championship today (18:00 CEST) in Stara Zagora. The DFB manager isn’t concerning himself with all the mathematical permutations. It’s also not necessary for him to do so because his side currently top Group B with six points, followed by Belgium and the Czech Republic (both three points). Slovenia prop up the group (no groups).
A draw would be enough for Germany to top the group and secure passage to the EURO 2015 quarterfinals in Bulgaria. "That doesn’t mean though that we’re just going to play for a draw," remarked Christian Wück. "Something could go completely wrong. Just like in the first two games, we’re going out there to win."
Doubts over Eggestein and Schmidt
The U17s are set to come up against an aggressive opponent in the Czech Republic. "The Czech Republic press you very high in your own half," commented Wück. That holds risks and allows for chances. "You have to be solid and accurate in playing your way out of defence, otherwise they’re lightning quick," explained the DFB manager. "If our side succeeds in doing just that, there are gaps in the opposition defence, which we’ve made our players aware of, which they can exploit." Accordingly, two of the main areas covered in the last training session were build-up play and going over game scenarios.
Niklas Schmidt and Johannes Eggestein both completed a separate session with light running exercises. Both players picked up knocks in the Slovenia game, in which Eggestein scored the winning goal. It’ll be decided whether they’re both available for selection shortly before kick-off. Either way, Christian Wück is still thinking about making one or another changes to the starting line-up and formation “due to tactical considerations."
"It’s in our hands"
Despite their current comfortable position, the U17s shouldn’t consider the outcome a foregone conclusion. Should the Czech Republic win by a clear margin and Belgium defeat Slovenia, Germany would be at risk of being knocked out the competition. If the three teams all finished with six points, only the results of matches against each other would count. "We’re not too concerned about this happening," announced Wück. "It’s in our own hands to secure passage through to the quarterfinals and not require a calculator to separate the sides."
The 41-year-old refused to discuss possible quarterfinal opponents. Croatia are currently the best placed team in Group A with six points. They are followed by Spain (four points) and Austria (one point), but their future in the tournament is dependent on the outcome of the match between Croatia and Spain. Hosts Bulgaria have failed to pick up any points so far and no longer stand any chance of progressing.
The U17s are prepared for whoever they may come up against. "We’ve observed all three teams in Group A and have collected every grain of information," explained Wück. "We’re prepared for all eventualities."
