News (engl.)

The Germany U21 national team drew 3-3 with Poland in their first match since securing qualification for the European Championship finals. Germany coach Antonio Di Salvo’s team built on an early go-ahead goal to lead 3-1 at half-time. However, the Polish side fought back after the break, rescuing a point with a quick-fire couple of strikes. 

“It was a test of character for the team,” said Antonio Di Salvo. “We said we didn’t want to lose under any circumstances. We are still yet to be beaten by anyone, so have a very decent record in qualifying. Our sequences of play weren’t quite right, but with the host of substitutions that’s normal.” 

In front of 12,586 fans at the Widzewa Stadium in Lodz, the Germany youth internationals got off to a good start, immediately putting their stamp on proceedings. Union Berlin’s Tom Rothe set up Nicolò Tresoldi of Hannover 96 in the box, whose strike on the turn handed his side an early lead (3’). Following the goal shortly after kick-off, Germany continued to pile on the pressure and took control of the game, but Poland did not let that unsettle them. Dominik Marczuk finished off an attack down the left flank to equalise for the hosts (17’). However, the young Germans had the perfect response. Just four minutes later, Paul Wanner (1. FC Heidenheim) took it upon himself to restore the German advantage, unleashing a spectacular volley from distance. Bright Arrey-Mbi (Sporting Braga) extended the lead with a header following Rocco Reitz’s (Borussia Mönchengladbach) free-kick from the right (30’). The Germany team allowed hardly any football to take place in their defensive third during the first period, and that about wrapped up the action before the break. 

A second half short on chances 

Poland made the better start to the second half, playing with more courage than previously. Filip Kaluzinski got a goal back shortly after the restart (50’), before Mariusz Fornalczyk’s caress of the ball into the far corner of the net earned an equaliser following a brilliant solo run down the left wing (60’). After levelling the score, Poland then gave up a lot of possession to Germany, waiting purely for counter-attacking opportunities. The Germany defence recovered though, only affording their opponents a handful of further attempts on goal. Very few chances followed for either side, with both teams remaining compact, lying in wait for mistakes to pounce on.  Shortly before the final whistle, a corner from the right-hand side fell right at the feet of Cezary Polak, but Jan Thielmann (1. FC Köln) was on hand to clear the ball off the line.