Antonio Di Salvo’s side collected maximum points from the first two fixtures after a straightforward win over the Czech Republic.
As expected, Antonio Di Salvo didn’t make changes to the starting lineup that beat Slovenia 3-0 on Thursday. Nick Woltemade, who scored all the goals, leads the attacking line alongside Nicolò Tresoldi as Germany search for a place in the quarter-finals.
Czech lost 3-1 to holders England in the first round of the group, and Jan Suchoparek made two shifts to his lineup. Hamburg’s Adam Karabec comes in place of Krystof Danek in the #10 position, while Ondřej Kričfaluš replaces Vojtech Stransky in midfield.
The real highlight of the first-half was the incident of a pigeon interrupting the game by entering the pitch while Germany were about to take a corner-kick. Meanwhile, Czechia’s fans created a great atmosphere inside DAC Stadion.
Germany went in front ten minutes before the break when Paul Nebel and Nnamdi Collins combined well to set up Nicolo Tresoldi. Club Brugge’s new striker had four goals in the qualifying campaign.
Despite having a staggering 75% possession at one point, that was Germany’s only shot on target in the first 40 minutes. However, the second one also ended up in the back of the net as Nick Woltemade’s movement and vision created the difference. Nebel scored with another easy finish to put Germany closer to qualification.
Before the half-time whistle, Nebel’s ex-teammate at Mainz nearly scored the third when Brajan Gruda’s exquisite effort was denied by the post. Noah Atubolu had a good save from Patrik Vydra’s long-range attempt before Germany’s two goals arrived after the half-hour mark.
After making a couple of substitutions for the restart, Czecha improved in the opening minutes of the second-half. However, Germany extended their lead in the 54th minute from an expected source. Woltemade netted a brilliant header from Rocco Reitz’s delivery as he continues his excellent form for the U21s.
Less than five minutes later, skipper Eric Martel joined the scoresheet after Lukas Hornicek failed to grasp Gruda’s powerful hit. Woltemade was credited with the assist as he touched the ball before Köln’s midfielder slammed it home. The sought-after striker registered three direct goal involvements in the first two games of the competition.
In an eventful sequence of events, Germany conceded a goal for the first time in the competition when Bright Arrey-Mbi scored an own-goal trying to defend Martin Suchomel’s dangerous cutback.
In the 65th minute, Czechia got another goal back from a set-piece play through center-back Karel Spáčil. Di Salvo made his first changes twenty minutes from time by introducing three substitutions at once.
In particular, Ansgar Knauff’s pace and tenacity breathed life into Germany’s attack. However, in search of a remarkable comeback, the Czechs continued to enjoy their best spell in the game with crosses flying from both flanks.
The result sees Germany qualify for the knockout stage with a game to spare after a disappointing group stage exit under the same coach two years earlier. The Czech Republic are knocked out, although their valiant effort and stunning fans left a good impression.
Germany top the group with six points before their last game against England. The defending champions finished their game against Slovenia goalless earlier today. After stunning England in the World Cup of Darts, Germany could cause the 2023 champions to get eliminated in the group stage.
In group A, Italy and Spain also qualified for the knockout stages after wins over hosts Slovakia and Romania. France and Portugal are also on their way to the quarter-finals following victories over Georgia and Poland yesterday. Denmark are also through to the quarter-final after a battling 2-1 win over the Netherlands, who could join them with a win over Ukraine on MD3.
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