The dream is the Olympics, the goal is the Euros – this is the line of approach that the German U21s set out before the Euros in the Czech Republic. Going into the final game in Group A against the hosts (20:45 CEST), the situation is clear: with four points from the first two games, and sitting in first place in the group, Horst Hrubesch’s team know that a draw is enough to make their dream of the Rio 2016 Olympics a reality. But the coach has no interest in playing for a draw.
“I’m not a coach who aims for the minimum. I want to win games,” says Hrubesch, who wants to qualify as the group winner, so that they can play the semi-final in Prague. The game against the Czech Republic is being played at Prague’s Eden Arena and is being approached with total concentration. Thoughts of the Olympics must go to the back of the player’s minds, and they must focus clearly on the opponent.
"Play to our full potential"
"The Olympics have always fascinated me. It’s nice when you hear about them, but even better to experience them,” says Hrubesch. “But that will only happen when we play to our full potential again in the final game against the Czech Republic.” Midfielder Johannes Geis is also in agreement with his coach. “I’ve watched many Olympic Games and bought the computer games. It’s a huge event. Everyone knows that only a few people achieve that,” says the 21-year-old. A German football team last took part in the Olympics in 1988 – 27 years ago. It’s now time for them to return.
So far the team has done well to approach each individual game and keep their dream an afterthought. That is why Johannes Geis immediately continued talking about the team’s final game in Group A and their opponent. “The Czechs are a strong pressing team and good down the sides. With their fans behind them, it will be really uncomfortable for us. But we have set ourselves a target – to win the Euros.”
Even with the dream of the Olympics and concentrating on the opponent, the team has not lost sight of its target. But at the same time you don’t get the feeling that the players have taken their eye off their difficult task against the Czech Republic. They have studied their opponent as best as possible. “We already played a friendly against the Czechs in this stadium last year, and that wasn’t easy,” says Joshua Kimmich, who impressed in the second match against Denmark along with Amin Younes. “They have some quick and talented guys. They attack with a lot of speed. But if we play our game, then we’re strong enough to beat them.”
Kimmich wants to play with conviction and courage
The Czechs are currently third in the table behind Germany and will want to secure their passage to the semi-finals with a win. Amongst all their preparations for the hosts, the German team’s awareness of their own strengths plays a big roll. In the win over Denmark, you could see what is possible when the team manages to use its quick combination play and prevent the opposition from getting into the game.
That is why the mood in the team is good, and all players are fit. Christian Günter, who was suspended for the game against Denmark, is now eligible again and offers Hrubesch another option at left back. “If we play with the conviction, the courage and in the manner we did against Denmark, then I’m convinced we will win this game,” says Joshua Kimmich. Nothing further needs to be said.
