Third game. Third win? The Germany U20 national team find themselves in a comfortable position ahead of their final group game against Honduras at the World Cup in New Zealand. With six points and a goal record of 11:1 after just two matches, Wormuth’s side have already qualified for the final 16 as one of the four best third-placed teams.
“It’s a pleasing situation, of course,” raved the U20 coach. “But we shouldn’t allow ourselves to sit back, rather maintain our rhythm.” True words: A win or at least a draw, and topping the group that would come with it would have further positive implications. The U20s could play their final 16 and possible quarterfinal match in Christchurch and would thus be spared of the travelling, unlike other sides in the group stage already.
“There’s a clear goal. We feel good here in Christchurch and have built up a good relationship with the people,” Wormuth explained. Public training sessions, yesterday with over 20 children, kickabouts with Sunshine FC, a visit to a children’s’ hospital, rugby and haka training – the German U20s side have created some reputation in the town in the past few days, described as ‘likeable, polite and open-minded’ in the regional press.
Wittek and Weigl complete squad
Despite the praise, Frank Wormuth still sees room for improvement on the pitch. “We work in high detail in the training team. There’s still some way to go even though we’ve taken six points already.” The 54-year-old worked on these fine details with his squad in the final training session, which is now finally complete following the arrivals of Maximilian Wittek and Julian Weigl (both 1860 München play-offs).
Apart from the two Munich-based players, Sporting Director Hansi Flick and Andre Schubert also met up with the team the day before yesterday. While Flick arrived straight from Germany, U15 coach Schubert has been in New Zealand since the start of the tournament, scouting possible last 16 and quarterfinal opponents for the Germany team. He has paid attention to Hungary and Nigeria in particular, who face off on Sunday for second spot in Group E. This team will then take on the first-placed country from Germany’s Group F in the knockout phases.
Germany U20s have to take on Honduras before then though. After the Central American team came out on top 4-3 in their first game of the tournament against Uzbekistan, they suffered a shock 3-0 defeat to underdogs Fiji in their second outing. “They underestimated the Fijians. That won’t happen against Germany, which is why I’m expecting a wrong Honduran team,” Wormuth predicted.
Wormuth: No rotation for Honduras match
From a footballing perspective, the Hondurans have a lot of potential, characterised by a quick, flat and vertical playing style up front, and have two dangerous forwards in their ranks in the form of Alberth Elis and Bryan Rochez. “Our defence will have a lot of work to do,” Wormuth said. “It’s not just the defenders, the defensive midfielders also have to win those second balls.”
The coach did not want to disclose whether he would turn to the new arrivals from Munich for the back line. There will not be wholesome changes to the side despite already booking their place in the final 16. “We would like to use the game against Honduras to prepare us for upcoming tasks. Therefore, thorough changes to the side would send the wrong signals to the team.”
