Germany U17s have missed out on the quarter finals of the World Cup in Chile. Christian Wück’s side lost 2-0 to Croatia in front of 10,000 in Concepcion, with the goals scored by Nikola Moro and Davor Lovren.
"We are of course absolutely gutted," said Wück after the final whistle. "We had big ambitions before the tournament, so it’s extremely disappointing to be going home at this stage." Despite finishing second in their group, they had hoped to overcome the challenge of Croatia and progress to the later stages.
Star Moro scores crucial goal for Croatia
Wück made four changes to the side that played Mexico in their last group match. Erdinc Karakas and Daniel Nesseler werethe full backs, and Niklas Schmidt and Vitaly Janelt slotted in to midfield. The attack was spearheaded once again by Johannes Eggestein.
In a somewhat disjointed opening period, both teams struggled to get into their stride. The first real opportunity was Gökhan Gül’s free kick, which narrowly missed the target from 25 metres. Josip Brekalo had another good chance, with keeper Constantin Frommann tipping his shot onto the crossbar.
Just two minutes later and Wück’s side were behind. Majic cuts in from the left, Abu Hanna not able to clear the ball completely and captain Moro buries it, making it 1-0. Croatia had been the better side in the first 45 – the lead was not undeserved.
Passlack and Co. miss chances to equalise
After the changing of sides, the German team upped it a gear and pushed on for an equaliser. Passlack had the best chance, trying to smash one in the near post after good build up play in the right of the box. Semper just managed to tip it around for a corner (53'). The Croatian keeper was called upon again, gathering an attempted pass from Janelt to Eggestein (61').
Wück strengthened the attack, brining on Köhlert for Nesseler (67'), Burnic for Dorsch (75') and Saglam for Janelt (79'). Saglam had a chance almost immediately, but his shot from 16 metres was well blocked (82'). Germany risked a lot in the final stages and were undone on the counter. Lovren putting the game to bed after the Croats had outnumbered the German defenders (91').
"We were fairly beaten"
"We had a good period of pressure in the second half, and probably should have scored," reflected Wück. "We couldn’t manage it, and so were fairly beaten in the end."
The tournament is over for the German national side. Croatia, who only qualified for the World Cup through the play offs, are now in the quarterfinals and will face Mali on Sunday (23:00 CET).
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Germany U17s have missed out on the quarter finals of the World Cup in Chile. Christian Wück’s side lost 2-0 to Croatia in front of 10,000 in Concepcion, with the goals scored by Nikola Moro and Davor Lovren.
"We are of course absolutely gutted," said Wück after the final whistle. "We had big ambitions before the tournament, so it’s extremely disappointing to be going home at this stage." Despite finishing second in their group, they had hoped to overcome the challenge of Croatia and progress to the later stages.
Star Moro scores crucial goal for Croatia
Wück made four changes to the side that played Mexico in their last group match. Erdinc Karakas and Daniel Nesseler werethe full backs, and Niklas Schmidt and Vitaly Janelt slotted in to midfield. The attack was spearheaded once again by Johannes Eggestein.
In a somewhat disjointed opening period, both teams struggled to get into their stride. The first real opportunity was Gökhan Gül’s free kick, which narrowly missed the target from 25 metres. Josip Brekalo had another good chance, with keeper Constantin Frommann tipping his shot onto the crossbar.
Just two minutes later and Wück’s side were behind. Majic cuts in from the left, Abu Hanna not able to clear the ball completely and captain Moro buries it, making it 1-0. Croatia had been the better side in the first 45 – the lead was not undeserved.
Passlack and Co. miss chances to equalise
After the changing of sides, the German team upped it a gear and pushed on for an equaliser. Passlack had the best chance, trying to smash one in the near post after good build up play in the right of the box. Semper just managed to tip it around for a corner (53'). The Croatian keeper was called upon again, gathering an attempted pass from Janelt to Eggestein (61').
Wück strengthened the attack, brining on Köhlert for Nesseler (67'), Burnic for Dorsch (75') and Saglam for Janelt (79'). Saglam had a chance almost immediately, but his shot from 16 metres was well blocked (82'). Germany risked a lot in the final stages and were undone on the counter. Lovren putting the game to bed after the Croats had outnumbered the German defenders (91').
"We were fairly beaten"
"We had a good period of pressure in the second half, and probably should have scored," reflected Wück. "We couldn’t manage it, and so were fairly beaten in the end."
The tournament is over for the German national side. Croatia, who only qualified for the World Cup through the play offs, are now in the quarterfinals and will face Mali on Sunday (23:00 CET).
