FC Schalke 04 have been crowned German U19 Champions for the fourth time. Norbert Elgert’s side beat reigning champions 1899 Hoffenheim 3-1 and added to their previous victories in 1976, 2006 and 2012. This is the third time Elgert, who has been in charge since 1996, has led his team to victory in the competition.
In front of 12, 500 enthusiastic fans in Wattenscheid, Schalke fell behind early on to Joshua Mees’ goal. Former Hoffenheim player Felix Schröter bagged a brace and Christian Rubio Sivodedov also got on the scoresheet as Schalke recovered to turn the tie on its head.
Hoffenheim miss out on chance to make history
"It was a quality final between two equally strong teams," winning manager Norbert Elgert. "I’m very proud of my side."
Julian Nagelsmann’s side missed out on the chance to secure an historic victory. Since the introduction of the U19 Bundesliga back in 2003, a team has never won the league twice in a row.
Joshua Mees fires Hoffenheim in front
The numerous Schalke fans in the stadium thought they had scored after only 63 seconds. Right back Daniel Koseler found himself in space in the penalty area but his shot flew just centimetres over the crossbar. Felix Schröter tested TSG goalkeeper Dominik Draband for the first time shortly after.
However, it was the guests who took the lead, clinically punishing Schalke for defensive uncertainty. Hoffenheim captain Joshua Mees beat Thilo Kehrer, before going around Schalke keeper Janik Schilder and slotting the ball into the back of the net.
FC Schalke 04 have been crowned German U19 Champions for the fourth time. Norbert Elgert’s side beat reigning champions 1899 Hoffenheim 3-1 and added to their previous victories in 1976, 2006 and 2012. This is the third time Elgert, who has been in charge since 1996, has led his team to victory in the competition.
In front of 12, 500 enthusiastic fans in Wattenscheid, Schalke fell behind early on to Joshua Mees’ goal. Former Hoffenheim player Felix Schröter bagged a brace and Christian Rubio Sivodedov also got on the scoresheet as Schalke recovered to turn the tie on its head.
Hoffenheim miss out on chance to make history
"It was a quality final between two equally strong teams," winning manager Norbert Elgert. "I’m very proud of my side."
Julian Nagelsmann’s side missed out on the chance to secure an historic victory. Since the introduction of the U19 Bundesliga back in 2003, a team has never won the league twice in a row.
Joshua Mees fires Hoffenheim in front
The numerous Schalke fans in the stadium thought they had scored after only 63 seconds. Right back Daniel Koseler found himself in space in the penalty area but his shot flew just centimetres over the crossbar. Felix Schröter tested TSG goalkeeper Dominik Draband for the first time shortly after.
However, it was the guests who took the lead, clinically punishing Schalke for defensive uncertainty. Hoffenheim captain Joshua Mees beat Thilo Kehrer, before going around Schalke keeper Janik Schilder and slotting the ball into the back of the net.
Elgert makes clear statement of intent with Sané substitution
It took a bit of time for the hosts to recover from the early set-back and for nerves to subside. Hoffenheim were the better side and seemed to have the game under control for a long period. Norbert Elgert made a clear statement of intent in bringing on Germany youth international Leroy Sané (for defender Sven Köhler) after half an hour – and it proved the turning point.
In Wattenscheid, where his father Souleyman celebrated great success during his Bundesliga career, Leroy Sané added fresh impetus to Schalke’s attack and helped his team up their performance.
After Felix Platte was twice denied the equaliser by Draband, his strike partner Felix Schröter made no mistake after Hoffenheim’s keeper came charging out of his goal. Schröter won the aerial duel in the penalty area and brushed the ball into the empty net to make it 1-1.
Schröter and Sivodedov settle the tie
TSG manager Nagelsmann brought Esad Morina on up front after the break however, he failed to make a mark on the game.
The Royal Blues were now much more aggressive in their play and were rewarded with more goals. Thilo Kehrer got his head on Maurice Neubauer’s corner and his goalbound effort was helped into the back of the net by Schröter with the final touch to make it 2-1.
Midfielder Christian Rubio Sivodedov finally put the game to bed. After Leroy Sané’s initial effort was blocked, the Swede fired home to make it 3-1.
Drewitz, Pothe und Schott lead award ceremony
Schalke had the opportunity to add to their tally in the closing stages but spurned several good chances on the counter. When referee Thorsten Schriever blew the final whistle, Schalke players and fans alike erupted in celebration. Chants of "S04 are German Champions" rang out around the stadium.
DFB vice president Dr. Hans-Dieter Drewitz, president of the DFB youth committee Christian Pothe, and DFB director Ulf Schott lead the award ceremony.
