The Germany U20s can still dream of winning the title after progressing to the World Cup quarterfinals in New Zealand following yet another strong performance. Frank Wormuth’s team asserted their authority in their 1-0 win over opponent Nigeria, champions of Africa, in the round of 16 clash in Christchurch. Germany’s next opponent in the final eight is Mali, who they play on Sunday morning at 03:00 CEST, again in Christchurch. The West-African side progressed to the quarter finals with a 3-0 victory over Ghana.
Levin Öztunali scored his first goal of the tournament in the 19th minute to secure the win for Wormuth’s team. Germany’s coach avoided making any big changes to the team, with only Robert Bauer replacing Maximilian Wittek at left back. Niklas Stark and Marc-Oliver Kempf continued in the centre of defence, and captain Kevin Akpoguma, of Nigerian descent, operated on the right.
With an outside temperature of three degrees, the Germans were already wide-awake and began dominantly. A lovely combination down the right-hand side saw Julian Weigl have the first effort on goal in the second minute, but his shot went well wide. Nigeria, who had already seen off Hungary and North Korea in the group stage, initially had some big problems with Germany’s high pressing tactics. This meant that the African’s potent attack saw very little action, with their most dangerous attack in the first half coming to nothing when Zaharaddeen Bello missed the ball in the centre of the box.
Germany decisive and give little away
In contrast, the Germans were spending more and more time in the opposition half, and consequently took the lead. The powerful Marc Stendera won the ball in midfield and played in Öztunali, who hit a forceful shot from inside the box to leave Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Joshua Enaholo, no chance. Hany Mukhtar and Stendera both missed chances to extend the team’s lead to 2-0.
After the halftime break, the German side dictated the game, remaining technical, playful and tactically superior, as they pushed for the second goal. Mukhtar came close again after a nice pass from the impressive Julian Brandt, but failed to convert. After that Germany began to sit back and increasingly lie in wait for the counterattack. Nigeria’s few attacking moments, however, caused little worry for the German defence. Germany have now only conceded once at this World Cup, in their 8-1 win over Fiji in the first match.