The DFB U17 side got off to a more than decent start in the World Cup in Chile. Christian Wück's team beat Australia 4-1 in their opening Group C game in Chillán, dominating for long periods of the game. In the second Group C match, Mexico beat Argentina 2-0, leaving Germany at the top of the table.
Despite the convincing result, U17 manager Christian Wück was not completely satisfied with his team's performance. "First of all, we're obviously pleased to have started the tournament with a win. We played very well in the first half but very badly in the second," said the 42-year-old. "We allowed our opponents back into the game. We can and must play better if we want to win our next game. It's now the job of the coaching team to analyse this and get it across to the squad."
Playing in sunny conditions and a pleasant temperature of 20 degrees, it took only 14 minutes for Felix Passlack to fire into the bottom corner and erase any doubt as to how the game would unfold. Striker Johannes Eggestein then grabbed a brace before half time, but, Pierce Waring pulled a goal back for Australia after the break as they threatened to mount a comeback. However, Vitaly Janelt found the back of the net for Germany just ten minutes later to put the game beyond any doubt.
Germany side find their feet quickly
After taking a little time to grow into the game, the Germany side soon settled their early nerves in front of the 5,000-strong crowd. Their confidence increased with every successful move forward, helped also by their early goal. Goals two and three, provided by the head and foot of Eggestein respectively, appeared to be the inevitable consequence of Germany's dominance. The half-time scoreline certainly did not flatter the Germans.
After the break, Wück's team seemed to drop off slightly, allowing Australia to play with some more confidence. As a result, the junior Socceroos were able to score a goal of their own, and Germany goalkeeper Constantin Frommann did well to prevent any further goals conceded.
Janelt scores with Australia on top
By contrast, the Germany side had their shooting boots on, with Janelt firing into the right-hand corner from 20 yards out. With a 4-1 lead, Germany were able to control the game until the end and see out a comfortable win.
Wück's team will play their second group game on Thursday against Argentina, before they take on Mexico in their final game three days later. "These games will demand everything from us," Christian Wück predicted. "The quality in the tournament is very high, which was evident in today's game."