The Germany U21 national team comfortably beat Denmark 3-0 to secure a second victory in two in the group stages of the European Championship. Having scored five and conceded none, DFB head coach Stefan Kuntz’s team lead group C and their five different goalscorers illustrates the versatility and unpredictable nature of the team.
Davie Selke provided a sensational curling strike into the top corner to give the Germans the lead and put them on their way to victory. “I’m glad that I was able to break the deadlock with this goal,” said Selke. “The team really rallied around me after I missed the penalty in the first game and gave me a lot of encouragement. I wanted to repay them for that today.” Aid the 22-year-old did just that, not only with sublime goal, but also his whole performance throughout the 90 minutes, running for his team and also setting up Nadiem Amiri for the third goal of the night.
Pollersbeck in fine form
Julian Pollersbeck was the other star of this game. After a shaky performance in the first match of the group against the Czech Republic, the 1. FC Kaiserslautern goalkeeper put in a commanding and error-free performance, rescuing his side on a number of occasions. He had to be on-hand to get an outstretched to the ball just before half-time to guide it round the post in a brilliant show of athleticism.
“A weight off Davie Selke’s shoulders”
It was certainly a stroke of luck that both Pollersbeck and Selke are both fully fit and involved at the tournament, on reason why Stefan Kuntz was particularly chuffed. “You can see that a weight was lifted off Davie Selke’s shoulders,” said the 54-year-old. “And Julian showed today why he is here with us and what a top-class keeper he is.” The boys then took their chances at exactly the right times in the second half and got their reward.
Kuntz does not want to want to get involved in any guessing games ahead of the team’s last and crucial group game on Saturday against Italy.”Playing just for the result? That has never worked in football. We want to win the game.” Germany need only a draw to secure victory in the group and with that progress to the semi-finals.