Report | Germany overcome France to book Euro U21 final place against England

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Germany have booked their place in the UEFA U21 European Championship final following a commanding 3-0 win against France. Nelson Weiper opened the scoring after eight minutes before Nick Woltemade – the tournament’s top scorer – doubled his team’s lead inside 14 minutes. Brajan Gruda added a third for Germany in the fourth minute of added time to set up a final against England.

Antonio Di Salvo made two changes coming into the semi-final with Ansgar Knauff and Weiper coming in for Gruda and Nicolò Tresoldi.

Nelson Weiper and Nick Woltemade star for Germany

Woltemade played a key role in the opening goal with Germany pressing France high up the pitch, forcing Gérald Baticle’s side into a defensive error. Weiper found himself in the right place at the right time to put his side in the lead. Woltemade then scored his sixth goal of the tournament, netting at the second attempt against Guillaume Restes.

Noah Atubolu was forced into an excellent save to deny Thierno Barry with 20 minutes remaining as France looked to get back into the game, but Germany remained composed and dominant to see the game out, although they will be disappointed not to have scored more with Merlin Röhl spurning an excellent opportunity to find Paul Nebel for a simple tap-in.

Despite pressure from France, Gruda put the game beyond any doubt to give Germany a 3-0 lead after consulting with VAR after the goal was initially ruled out for offside.

Germany’s U21 squad remain dominant 

Germany’s win over France secures another U21 European Championship final, winning the competition in two of the last four editions (2017 and 2021) while finishing runners-up in 2019. Woltemade and Co. have already beat England once in this year’s tournament but will be wary of the threat that Harvey Elliot and Co. pose.

GGFN | Daniel Pinder