There is a sense in the air in Stuttgart that the UEFA U19 European Championship is just around the corner. All four Group A teams - Germany, Portugal, Austria and Italy - have checked into their team hotels. On the way to the training pitch, they are greeted by flags, posters and signs announcing the tournament. Their daily schedule includes events such as the UEFA photoshoot and referee meetings.
"We can hardly wait for it to begin," admitted Phil Neumann, who turned 19 on Friday and was celebrated by his team mates. "If I could wish for one thing, I would wish for a win against Italy." 54,000 spectators are expected to attend the opening game in Stuttgart's Mercedes Benz Arena between Germany and Italy on Monday, 11th July (kick-off: 12:00 CEST).
In order to get a first feel for the atmosphere they can expect on Monday, the team took a short detour from their training pitch to the stadium. "It was quite impressive," said Neumann. "When I think about this place being sold out, I wish we could get started right away."
Guido Streichsbier, who gave his players two days of rest after their training camp in Schladming, also appreciated the short visit to the Arena. "It was great that it worked out on short notice. Now we know where our EUROs will kick-off on Monday. But with the fans inside as well, it will feel a bit different."
Their schedule for the next two days is fully planned out. "The key areas that we worked on in Schladming, will now receive their final touches," explained Streichsbier. "Furthermore, we will naturally begin our concrete preparations for Italy. Everything has to go smoothly on Monday."
There is a sense in the air in Stuttgart that the UEFA U19 European Championship is just around the corner. All four Group A teams - Germany, Portugal, Austria and Italy - have checked into their team hotels. On the way to the training pitch, they are greeted by flags, posters and signs announcing the tournament. Their daily schedule includes events such as the UEFA photoshoot and referee meetings.
"We can hardly wait for it to begin," admitted Phil Neumann, who turned 19 on Friday and was celebrated by his team mates. "If I could wish for one thing, I would wish for a win against Italy." 54,000 spectators are expected to attend the opening game in Stuttgart's Mercedes Benz Arena between Germany and Italy on Monday, 11th July (kick-off: 12:00 CEST).
In order to get a first feel for the atmosphere they can expect on Monday, the team took a short detour from their training pitch to the stadium. "It was quite impressive," said Neumann. "When I think about this place being sold out, I wish we could get started right away."
Guido Streichsbier, who gave his players two days of rest after their training camp in Schladming, also appreciated the short visit to the Arena. "It was great that it worked out on short notice. Now we know where our EUROs will kick-off on Monday. But with the fans inside as well, it will feel a bit different."
Their schedule for the next two days is fully planned out. "The key areas that we worked on in Schladming, will now receive their final touches," explained Streichsbier. "Furthermore, we will naturally begin our concrete preparations for Italy. Everything has to go smoothly on Monday."
