Strong start. Not only did Niklas Stark clean up solidly at the back during Germany’s U20 World Cup opener in New Zealand, but he also scored two headed goals in the 8-1 win against Fiji.
In an interview with DFB.de the 20-year old recalls the last time his scored a brace, as well as his personal goals at the World Cup, the previous season with 1. FC Nürnberg and his role as a key player and team joker.
DFB.de: Congratulations on yesterday’s opening win against Fiji. When was the last time you scored twice in a game?
Stark: I’ll have to have a think about that! It’s been a long time, I think back in the U17s.
DFB.de: Can you give us a quick commentary on your two goals.
Stark: The first was a wonderful freekick from Marc Stendera, which Marc Oliver Kempf nodded on to me perfectly. The second was another brilliant corner from Stendera; I jumped up and just needed to nod it in.
DFB.de: Two set pieces. You’ve spent a lot of time on that in training right?
Stark: Of course. Set pieces are something we practiced very intensively in training. They could prove very important as the tournament goes on. It’s something you see in tight games at the highest level all the time. Our senior team proved that in Brazil last year.
DFB.de: What are your thoughts on the other six goals?
Stark: We took a little while to get into the game. But that was no surprise, it’s our first World Cup, our first time in the stadium and an unconventional opponent – you need to get used to that all first. We had enough stability following the first goal and the game was over by half time. Overall, we can be pleased with the start.
DFB.de: Were you surprised by the toughness of your opponent?
Waren Sie überrascht über die harte Gangart des Gegners?
Stark: They were always a little too late to the ball and they never sat back. The physicality took a bit of getting used to. I don’t think they were unfair though. We need to learn to play the ball earlier, then things like that can’t happen.
DFB.de: Next up you face Uzbekistan (9:00 CEST) on Thursday. Another lesser known nation…
Stark: But still a completely different kettle of fish to Fiji. Our manager watched their game against Honduras and was really impressed by both teams. We will get all our information over the next few days to make sure we are fully prepared for the game.
DFB.de: With plenty of confidence from the first game?
Stark: We already knew that we had a strong team. But obviously a win in the first game helps too. But you shouldn’t overstate the eight goals against Fiji.
DFB.de: The World Cup has started brilliantly for you. What are your personal goals?
Stark: To win every game and score two goals (laughs). In all seriousness though, I want us to progress as far as possible and keep clean sheets.
DFB.de: When Captain Kevin Akpoguma was subbed off at the start of the second half, you took the arm band from him. You then became the leader of the team, even though you were never previously with the U20.
Stark: That’s correct. I bounced back and forth whilst playing for the U21’s, so I know the U20’s pretty well. Last year we were all together when we won the U19 championship, and there I was also captain. I think myself and some of the other players can lead the team. Every team needs a couple of leaders to rally the troops and I think we have a variety of players on this team who can do this.
DFB.de: You are not only one of the leaders of the team but also the team jokester. Correct?
Stark: I am always up for some fun. If I am the instigator or not, that is a totally different question. (Laughing)
DFB.de: How would you rate your season with FC Nuremberg? You guys came in huge ambitions but only managed a ninth place finish.
Stark: We had a mixed season. The goal was to go back up to the first league. But, we knew it would be tough, especially with 18 new players and two new coaches. Going into next season we should play the same way as we played at the end of this year.
DFB.de: Is such a season going to hinder you at the U20 World Cup? Or is it a good distraction?
Stark: I think everyone that was selected had a long season. It doesn’t matter if it was easy or not, we are now here to play in a World Cup. It is a huge chance for everyone to present themselves to the world. On top of that, we have set high goals in which we hope to hit.
DFB.de: You have played for Nuremberg for eleven years now. In the last couple of months there have been some rumours about your future. Where do you see yourself next year?
Stark: Currently I am playing at the U20 World Cup and I am concentrating on that. Afterwards, I have plenty of time to make a choice about my future.
DFB.de: You and your friend Robert Bauer you did a blog with DFB-TV about the World Cup? How was that?
Stark: Robert and I are not scared to stand in front of the camera. I think this is something cool that our fans can watch at home. The people who are 18,000 kilometres away can see what we are doing in New Zealand, and how the team is getting along. I would have liked to see it done previously, so I like doing it and bringing the fans closer to us.
[mmc/bb&jm]
Strong start. Not only did Niklas Stark clean up solidly at the back during Germany’s U20 World Cup opener in New Zealand, but he also scored two headed goals in the 8-1 win against Fiji.
In an interview with DFB.de the 20-year old recalls the last time his scored a brace, as well as his personal goals at the World Cup, the previous season with 1. FC Nürnberg and his role as a key player and team joker.
DFB.de: Congratulations on yesterday’s opening win against Fiji. When was the last time you scored twice in a game?
Stark: I’ll have to have a think about that! It’s been a long time, I think back in the U17s.
DFB.de: Can you give us a quick commentary on your two goals.
Stark: The first was a wonderful freekick from Marc Stendera, which Marc Oliver Kempf nodded on to me perfectly. The second was another brilliant corner from Stendera; I jumped up and just needed to nod it in.
DFB.de: Two set pieces. You’ve spent a lot of time on that in training right?
Stark: Of course. Set pieces are something we practiced very intensively in training. They could prove very important as the tournament goes on. It’s something you see in tight games at the highest level all the time. Our senior team proved that in Brazil last year.
DFB.de: What are your thoughts on the other six goals?
Stark: We took a little while to get into the game. But that was no surprise, it’s our first World Cup, our first time in the stadium and an unconventional opponent – you need to get used to that all first. We had enough stability following the first goal and the game was over by half time. Overall, we can be pleased with the start.
DFB.de: Were you surprised by the toughness of your opponent?
Waren Sie überrascht über die harte Gangart des Gegners?
Stark: They were always a little too late to the ball and they never sat back. The physicality took a bit of getting used to. I don’t think they were unfair though. We need to learn to play the ball earlier, then things like that can’t happen.
DFB.de: Next up you face Uzbekistan (9:00 CEST) on Thursday. Another lesser known nation…
Stark: But still a completely different kettle of fish to Fiji. Our manager watched their game against Honduras and was really impressed by both teams. We will get all our information over the next few days to make sure we are fully prepared for the game.
DFB.de: With plenty of confidence from the first game?
Stark: We already knew that we had a strong team. But obviously a win in the first game helps too. But you shouldn’t overstate the eight goals against Fiji.
DFB.de: The World Cup has started brilliantly for you. What are your personal goals?
Stark: To win every game and score two goals (laughs). In all seriousness though, I want us to progress as far as possible and keep clean sheets.
DFB.de: When Captain Kevin Akpoguma was subbed off at the start of the second half, you took the arm band from him. You then became the leader of the team, even though you were never previously with the U20.
Stark: That’s correct. I bounced back and forth whilst playing for the U21’s, so I know the U20’s pretty well. Last year we were all together when we won the U19 championship, and there I was also captain. I think myself and some of the other players can lead the team. Every team needs a couple of leaders to rally the troops and I think we have a variety of players on this team who can do this.
DFB.de: You are not only one of the leaders of the team but also the team jokester. Correct?
Stark: I am always up for some fun. If I am the instigator or not, that is a totally different question. (Laughing)
DFB.de: How would you rate your season with FC Nuremberg? You guys came in huge ambitions but only managed a ninth place finish.
Stark: We had a mixed season. The goal was to go back up to the first league. But, we knew it would be tough, especially with 18 new players and two new coaches. Going into next season we should play the same way as we played at the end of this year.
DFB.de: Is such a season going to hinder you at the U20 World Cup? Or is it a good distraction?
Stark: I think everyone that was selected had a long season. It doesn’t matter if it was easy or not, we are now here to play in a World Cup. It is a huge chance for everyone to present themselves to the world. On top of that, we have set high goals in which we hope to hit.
DFB.de: You have played for Nuremberg for eleven years now. In the last couple of months there have been some rumours about your future. Where do you see yourself next year?
Stark: Currently I am playing at the U20 World Cup and I am concentrating on that. Afterwards, I have plenty of time to make a choice about my future.
DFB.de: You and your friend Robert Bauer you did a blog with DFB-TV about the World Cup? How was that?
Stark: Robert and I are not scared to stand in front of the camera. I think this is something cool that our fans can watch at home. The people who are 18,000 kilometres away can see what we are doing in New Zealand, and how the team is getting along. I would have liked to see it done previously, so I like doing it and bringing the fans closer to us.
