News (engl.)

The Germany U21 national team ran out 1-0 winners in their friendly match away to Slovakia in Trvana. Head coach Antonio di Salvo witnessed his team produce a solid performance as they look to gain momentum ahead of the upcoming European U21 Championship in summer 2025.

Gruda provides the telling touch 

Germany began the more active of the sides but often found the resolute, low block of Slovakia in their way. Brajan Gruda was the player to ultimately put the visitors ahead on 34 minutes when he had the simple task of turning home from close range after being set up by Nick Woltemade. Although the first half offered little in the way of goalmouth action, Germany made sure to be effective when the time came.

Slovakia were unable to pose much of a threat against a well-organised Germany back line, with their only effort of note coming after half an hour. However, Javorcek fired his shot high over the crossbar from a narrow angle.

The Germany U21s remained dominant throughout the second period as well, without adding to the score line. Slovakia persisted with their hard-working, organised defensive approach but Germany did still made inroads forward, albeit with the finishing touch just lacking. Nick Woltemade was able to test the home keeper once more in the 73rd minute; however, 1-0 was how the match was destined to end.

Di Salvo: "A taste of things to come"

Antonio Di Salvo shares his thoughts on the game: “We started the match well and produced a number of opportunities. However, I noticed from the off how technically capable Slovakia are, which made them hard to press. That changed the amount of room we had to work in and we had to adjust our approach accordingly. Slovakia posed just as much of a challenge as our EUROs group opponents will, so it was a beneficial taste of things to come. Both teams made mistakes today but Spain will be a tougher task altogether, demanding more from us while having much of the possession. That means we will often look to hit them on the counter.”

Goalscorer Brajan Gruda: “Nick broke through their defence well before playing me in with a great ball. I have learned from my coach at Brighton that I should make those near-post runs and then my task wasn’t a tricky one to score from there. The lads showed great intensity and confidence today. I think it did me well to get some minutes on the pitch.”

Casper Jander on his U21 debut: “I am really pleased to have been able to play today and I am happy that we got the win. I have been welcomed really well by the U21s and have had a lot of fun with the lads so far, including on the pitch. I am excited for what is next.”

Spain await in Darmstadt

Head coach Antonio Di Salvo’s side return to action on Tuesday, 25th March, for the next instalment of their preparation ahead of the U21 EUROs to be held in Slovakia (11th to 18th June). Germany U21 take on Spain at the Böllenfalltor in Darmstadt (kick-off 20:45 CET).