Germany vs. Vanuatu – The two teams have never been drawn against each other in over one hundred years of DFB internationals but this fixture will make its premiere on Friday at the U20 World Cup in South Korea. It could not be clearer what is required from Guido Streichsbier’s team. After just one point from two matches, they must win their final group game. Should Mexico lose to Venezuela, Germany will still have the chance to finish in second place. Otherwise they will have to hope to progress as one of the best third-place teams.
“We are concentrating on ourselves first and foremost,” said Streichsbier. “Our main objective is to get the first goal. Then we want to add more as each one is crucial. With four points and a strong goal difference, we would have a good chance of getting through as a third-placed team.”
Five missing against minnows
This clash against the World Champions is an absolute highlight for Vanuatu in their first ever appearance at the tournament finals. “The players are all heroes back at home. You can see in them how proud they are to be here,” said Streichsbier. “The coach well get them really up for it and will look to salvage some pride after their 7-0 defeat by Venezuela. They will be motivated and will give everything, so we need to be aware of that.”
The players will be feeling it after their intense draw with Mexico. Phil Neumann will miss out due to picking up a second yellow card of the tournament whilst Matthias Bader has picked up a muscle injury. Dominik Reimann is also not feeling 100%, meaning that Sven Brodersen will be back in goal for the Germans. Two other players have also picked up minor knocks and will have to face a late fitness test.
Everybody knows what the objective is. First and foremost, the U20s must score their first goal of the tournament, then build up their goal difference and hope that Venezuela win their final game. “We are just taking it step by step,” said Streichsbier. “If we show the right attitude and move the ball around well, then our quality will shine through.”
Germany vs. Vanuatu – The two teams have never been drawn against each other in over one hundred years of DFB internationals but this fixture will make its premiere on Friday at the U20 World Cup in South Korea. It could not be clearer what is required from Guido Streichsbier’s team. After just one point from two matches, they must win their final group game. Should Mexico lose to Venezuela, Germany will still have the chance to finish in second place. Otherwise they will have to hope to progress as one of the best third-place teams.
“We are concentrating on ourselves first and foremost,” said Streichsbier. “Our main objective is to get the first goal. Then we want to add more as each one is crucial. With four points and a strong goal difference, we would have a good chance of getting through as a third-placed team.”
Five missing against minnows
This clash against the World Champions is an absolute highlight for Vanuatu in their first ever appearance at the tournament finals. “The players are all heroes back at home. You can see in them how proud they are to be here,” said Streichsbier. “The coach well get them really up for it and will look to salvage some pride after their 7-0 defeat by Venezuela. They will be motivated and will give everything, so we need to be aware of that.”
The players will be feeling it after their intense draw with Mexico. Phil Neumann will miss out due to picking up a second yellow card of the tournament whilst Matthias Bader has picked up a muscle injury. Dominik Reimann is also not feeling 100%, meaning that Sven Brodersen will be back in goal for the Germans. Two other players have also picked up minor knocks and will have to face a late fitness test.
Everybody knows what the objective is. First and foremost, the U20s must score their first goal of the tournament, then build up their goal difference and hope that Venezuela win their final game. “We are just taking it step by step,” said Streichsbier. “If we show the right attitude and move the ball around well, then our quality will shine through.”
