The DFB Team U19s face a winner-takes-all clash against Russia on Monday (20:00 CEST). All four teams in their European Championship group could make the semis, having picked up three points from two games. Marcus Sorg’s men therefore need victory in order to advance.
DFB.de spoke with midfield engine Max Christiansen (FC Ingolstadt) about the upcoming encounter and the atmosphere in the team.
DFB.de: You were serving a yellow card suspension in the 3-1 defeat against Spain on the first matchday. How did you see that game?
Max Christiansen: The feeling of having to watch your team mates from the stands and not being able to help them is very cruel - even more so when the game doesn’t go your way. It was an unfortunate defeat and during the video analysis afterwards we all realised how unnecessary it was to lose that game.
DFB.de: You returned to action for the second game and were able to help your team secure a win.
Christiansen: It wasn't just me though. We showed a much better team performance and had better control of the game; we were able to force our game upon the Netherlands. Our organisation was good; we created several chances and probably should've taken an earlier lead. It was getting a bit frustrating to be honest.
DFB.de: Were you ever doubtful of securing the win?
Christiansen: No, never. I always felt that we would be rewarded for our hard work. We showed a lot of willpower and that simply had to be rewarded. Winning the game with a late goal makes it a bit more special. The atmosphere right after the game was fantastic.
DFB.de: Can you describe the moment again?
Christiansen: Before we scored, the Netherlands were attacking and came dangerously close to our goal. Keeping our defensive organisation until the final whistle was extremely hard work and my legs were already beginning to feel a bit heavy. Using our last energy we managed to block off their attacking attempt and then quickly transitioned from defence to attack. Timo brought the ball down the pitch via the left flank and Gianluca had positioned himself perfectly in the centre to grab the goal. It was a great feeling and I'd like to experience it again.
DFB.de: Preferably against Russia.
Christiansen: Exactly. But it's going to be another tough game. The good thing is that we showed spirit in both games and we are willing to work hard for each other. We also have a lot of quality in our squad with players who are able to decide games singlehandedly.
DFB.de: What's the atmosphere like in the team?
Christiansen: Really good. We are all looking forward to our next game and intend to show an even better performance.
DFB.de: What do you think about the constellation in your group heading into the final game?
Christiansen: No one thought that Russia would beat Spain. Our group appears to be quite unpredictable. Obviously it's now a very close race and everyone can still reach the next stage. One goal can make the difference between staying or going home. For us it will be important to focus on our own strengths and we want to force our game style upon our opponent again.
DFB.de: Do you have a plan for achieving that?
Christiansen: (laughs) I don’t think that I should be telling you about my plan if I had one. Who knows, maybe the Russian team will read this interview on DFB.de. But to be honest, our coach always manages to prepare us for our next opponent. I'm certain that the coaching staff will already have a plan how to win the game and that's what we will direct all our focus on now.
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The DFB Team U19s face a winner-takes-all clash against Russia on Monday (20:00 CEST). All four teams in their European Championship group could make the semis, having picked up three points from two games. Marcus Sorg’s men therefore need victory in order to advance.
DFB.de spoke with midfield engine Max Christiansen (FC Ingolstadt) about the upcoming encounter and the atmosphere in the team.
DFB.de: You were serving a yellow card suspension in the 3-1 defeat against Spain on the first matchday. How did you see that game?
Max Christiansen: The feeling of having to watch your team mates from the stands and not being able to help them is very cruel - even more so when the game doesn’t go your way. It was an unfortunate defeat and during the video analysis afterwards we all realised how unnecessary it was to lose that game.
DFB.de: You returned to action for the second game and were able to help your team secure a win.
Christiansen: It wasn't just me though. We showed a much better team performance and had better control of the game; we were able to force our game upon the Netherlands. Our organisation was good; we created several chances and probably should've taken an earlier lead. It was getting a bit frustrating to be honest.
DFB.de: Were you ever doubtful of securing the win?
Christiansen: No, never. I always felt that we would be rewarded for our hard work. We showed a lot of willpower and that simply had to be rewarded. Winning the game with a late goal makes it a bit more special. The atmosphere right after the game was fantastic.
DFB.de: Can you describe the moment again?
Christiansen: Before we scored, the Netherlands were attacking and came dangerously close to our goal. Keeping our defensive organisation until the final whistle was extremely hard work and my legs were already beginning to feel a bit heavy. Using our last energy we managed to block off their attacking attempt and then quickly transitioned from defence to attack. Timo brought the ball down the pitch via the left flank and Gianluca had positioned himself perfectly in the centre to grab the goal. It was a great feeling and I'd like to experience it again.
DFB.de: Preferably against Russia.
Christiansen: Exactly. But it's going to be another tough game. The good thing is that we showed spirit in both games and we are willing to work hard for each other. We also have a lot of quality in our squad with players who are able to decide games singlehandedly.
DFB.de: What's the atmosphere like in the team?
Christiansen: Really good. We are all looking forward to our next game and intend to show an even better performance.
DFB.de: What do you think about the constellation in your group heading into the final game?
Christiansen: No one thought that Russia would beat Spain. Our group appears to be quite unpredictable. Obviously it's now a very close race and everyone can still reach the next stage. One goal can make the difference between staying or going home. For us it will be important to focus on our own strengths and we want to force our game style upon our opponent again.
DFB.de: Do you have a plan for achieving that?
Christiansen: (laughs) I don’t think that I should be telling you about my plan if I had one. Who knows, maybe the Russian team will read this interview on DFB.de. But to be honest, our coach always manages to prepare us for our next opponent. I'm certain that the coaching staff will already have a plan how to win the game and that's what we will direct all our focus on now.
