News (engl.)

The Germany U21 side recorded their seventh win in eight EURO 2027 qualifying matches to strengthen their hold on top spot in Group F. Antonio Di Salvo’s side ran out 4-0 winners against Latvia at the Daugava Stadium in Riga. Paris Brunner struck inside the opening minute before adding his second later in the half (42’). Nicolò Tresoldi made it three shortly after the restart (52’), before Arijon Ibrahimovic rounded off the scoring (76’).

Brunner, who was making his U21 debut alongside Noah Darvich, could hardly have wished for a better start, turning the ball home after just 53 seconds. The goal came after Dzenan Pejcinovic had released Lukas Ullrich down the flank with a through ball. Ullrich then had an effort himself shortly afterwards, firing over from the edge of the box (5’).

The game was one-way traffic from the outset, with Germany enjoying almost 75 percent of the possession. Di Salvo’s side patiently looked for a way through the Latvian defence, although they could not always find the final pass or finish. Brunner drove into the box in the 23rd minute and went close to doubling his tally, while captain Tom Bischof sent a long-range strike narrowly wide of the post two minutes later.

Brunner bags a brace

Germany did get their second shortly before the break. Brunner took aim from the edge of the box and found the bottom corner with a low shot. A third almost followed before half time, but Latvia goalkeeper Nikita Parfjonovs managed to nick the ball away from the lurking Tresoldi at the crucial moment (44’).

Tresoldi had the first chance of the second half after another Pejcinovic pass, only to be denied by Parfjonovs (48’). The goalkeeper then produced another excellent stop moments later, getting down to turn away Bischof’s low effort (49’). Germany were now piling on the pressure and soon got their reward. Tresoldi raced onto an excellent through ball and lifted his finish over Parfjonovs to finally get his goal.

Ibrahimovic seals the win

Germany remained firmly in control. Latvia occasionally looked to break forward on the counter, but were unable to fashion a meaningful shot on goal. At the other end, Brunner came within inches of completing his hat-trick when his curling effort from 17 yards drifted just wide (65’). Francis Onyeka then became the latest player to make his U21 debut, replacing Brunner in the 69th minute.

Another substitute was on the scoresheet soon afterwards, as Ibrahimovic beat Parfjonovs from 20 yards for his first U21 goal on his third appearance. Laurin Ulrich then became the fourth Germany player of the evening to make his U21 debut (81’).