The Germany U21s' winning streak has come to an end. The team lost 1-0 to Poland in what was their final match of the calendar year. Stefan Kuntz’s side had won 13 matches in a row but a 57th-minute goal from Dawid Kownacki put a stop to what had been a fantastic run of form from the young Germans.
Kuntz went into the match with one eye on the 2017 European Championship, which are also taking place in Poland, and to try out a few new things in the game. “An opponent like this should make the whole team excited for the European Championship,” said Kuntz before the match. “Our preparation begins with the game against Poland and the draw on 1st December in Krakow.” After a flawless qualification campaign, Germany secured their place at the tournament finals several weeks ago.
Sané with best chance before the break
The Germany U21s head coach made five changes to the side that beat Turkey 1-0 last Thursday. Kevin Akpoguma, Janik Haberer, Nadiem Amiri, Levin Öztunali and Maximilian Philipp came into the starting line-up, while Timo Werner, Davie Selke, Matthias Ginter and Mahmoud Dahoud were not included in the squad, as the quartet did not make the journey to Poland.
The numerous changes to the side noticeably affected the team in the opening stages of the match, played out in front of 11,974 fans in Tychy. Germany found it difficult to get into the game as they struggled on a bumpy surface. A Niklas Stark header in the 14th minute brought the first real moment of danger, before Jeremy Toljan tried his luck with an effort from distance shortly afterwards. Leroy Sané was handed the best chance of the match so far after a cross from captain Maximilian Arnold, but he could not find the target with his header.
Kownacki exploits the space
The Poles looked dangerous with their movement from the outset but it was the away side that actually dominated possession. The Germany U21s went into half-time with 76% possession, but that was set to change after the break. A free-kick rebounded off Kuntz’s team before Kownacki, who was left completely free, volleyed the Poles into the lead.
The visitors were lucky not to go two down not long later, when Patryk Lipski saw his effort rattle off the post. Germany did their best to fight against falling to their first defeat since 27th June 2015, but a number of attacks failed to pay off. Arnold missed his side’s best chance to equalise after a save from Poland keeper Jakub Wrabel. The away side finished the match with ten men after a red card for substitute Timo Baumgartl with seven minutes to go.
The Germany U21s' winning streak has come to an end. The team lost 1-0 to Poland in what was their final match of the calendar year. Stefan Kuntz’s side had won 13 matches in a row but a 57th-minute goal from Dawid Kownacki put a stop to what had been a fantastic run of form from the young Germans.
Kuntz went into the match with one eye on the 2017 European Championship, which are also taking place in Poland, and to try out a few new things in the game. “An opponent like this should make the whole team excited for the European Championship,” said Kuntz before the match. “Our preparation begins with the game against Poland and the draw on 1st December in Krakow.” After a flawless qualification campaign, Germany secured their place at the tournament finals several weeks ago.
Sané with best chance before the break
The Germany U21s head coach made five changes to the side that beat Turkey 1-0 last Thursday. Kevin Akpoguma, Janik Haberer, Nadiem Amiri, Levin Öztunali and Maximilian Philipp came into the starting line-up, while Timo Werner, Davie Selke, Matthias Ginter and Mahmoud Dahoud were not included in the squad, as the quartet did not make the journey to Poland.
The numerous changes to the side noticeably affected the team in the opening stages of the match, played out in front of 11,974 fans in Tychy. Germany found it difficult to get into the game as they struggled on a bumpy surface. A Niklas Stark header in the 14th minute brought the first real moment of danger, before Jeremy Toljan tried his luck with an effort from distance shortly afterwards. Leroy Sané was handed the best chance of the match so far after a cross from captain Maximilian Arnold, but he could not find the target with his header.
Kownacki exploits the space
The Poles looked dangerous with their movement from the outset but it was the away side that actually dominated possession. The Germany U21s went into half-time with 76% possession, but that was set to change after the break. A free-kick rebounded off Kuntz’s team before Kownacki, who was left completely free, volleyed the Poles into the lead.
The visitors were lucky not to go two down not long later, when Patryk Lipski saw his effort rattle off the post. Germany did their best to fight against falling to their first defeat since 27th June 2015, but a number of attacks failed to pay off. Arnold missed his side’s best chance to equalise after a save from Poland keeper Jakub Wrabel. The away side finished the match with ten men after a red card for substitute Timo Baumgartl with seven minutes to go.
