Germany’s under-19s take on England tonight in their final European Championship group game in Georgia with Group B totally wide open. All four teams can still qualify for the knockout phase, even Bulgaria, who sit fourth and last with no points head of their meeting with Holland in Gori.
After losing their opener against Holland 4-1, Kramer’s DFB youngsters responded brilliantly with a 3-0 win over Bulgaria on Thursday and currently sit alongside Holland on points and goal difference ahead of the decider with England, who top the group on six points after winning both of their first two fixtures. Germany therefore need to beat England by two or more goals to guarantee progression.
“We know we need a perfect day to beat them by two or three,” said Kramer. “It will be a very tough task but it everything comes together, we can do it. We will go into the game determined and with a lot of optimism.”
England, who are yet to taste defeat or even draw at the championships, will be a very difficult opponent. “They are top of the group, have a very good team with some great individuals. They are very robust and track the ball down very well,” warned Kramer. “They have a lot of pace down the wings, and have lads in their ranks who can decide a game.”
Despite the unfortunate opening defeat and the setback of losing key player Julian Chabot, Kramer remains confident. “We have already had to deal with some blows but the way the team has responded has impressed me so much – it gives me a lot of hope for the England game.”
The close nature of the qualifying format should however not distract Kramer’s team from it’s aim. “We are not focusing on the other results, we are simply looking to win the game against England, any other mentality would distract us. If anything else happens, we will react accordingly in the moment,” stated Kramer.
Germany’s under-19s take on England tonight in their final European Championship group game in Georgia with Group B totally wide open. All four teams can still qualify for the knockout phase, even Bulgaria, who sit fourth and last with no points head of their meeting with Holland in Gori.
After losing their opener against Holland 4-1, Kramer’s DFB youngsters responded brilliantly with a 3-0 win over Bulgaria on Thursday and currently sit alongside Holland on points and goal difference ahead of the decider with England, who top the group on six points after winning both of their first two fixtures. Germany therefore need to beat England by two or more goals to guarantee progression.
“We know we need a perfect day to beat them by two or three,” said Kramer. “It will be a very tough task but it everything comes together, we can do it. We will go into the game determined and with a lot of optimism.”
England, who are yet to taste defeat or even draw at the championships, will be a very difficult opponent. “They are top of the group, have a very good team with some great individuals. They are very robust and track the ball down very well,” warned Kramer. “They have a lot of pace down the wings, and have lads in their ranks who can decide a game.”
Despite the unfortunate opening defeat and the setback of losing key player Julian Chabot, Kramer remains confident. “We have already had to deal with some blows but the way the team has responded has impressed me so much – it gives me a lot of hope for the England game.”
The close nature of the qualifying format should however not distract Kramer’s team from it’s aim. “We are not focusing on the other results, we are simply looking to win the game against England, any other mentality would distract us. If anything else happens, we will react accordingly in the moment,” stated Kramer.
