The outlook ahead of the German national team’s final group match on a small field against Colombia was anything but good. Two defeats (0:3 against Ukraine and 2:3 against Spain) had put the team under pressure from the start – but there was still a chance of reaching the round of 16.
Besides needing a victory of their own, the team was also dependent on help from the Ukrainians in the previous match against Spain.
Advertisement
And that help came: Ukraine swept aside Spain with a 6:1 victory, giving Germany the ideal starting position. A victory against Colombia would now be enough to secure a ticket to the round of 16.
The German team showed a completely different face from the first minute compared to previous matches. While their class only shone in phases against Spain, the match against Colombia became a display of power.
After several good chances in the opening minutes, Cekic hit the post in the 5th minute; the ball bounced off the leg of a Colombian player and rolled into the goal.
Soon after, Chandra increased his lead, needing only a one-two finish with Cekic. The same thing was achieved by Yilmaz, who appeared completely unnoticed at the far post after an assist from Wurm in the 13th minute and only had to stick his foot out.
Advertisement
Colombia had no control over the game at this stage and looked completely overwhelmed.
Shortly before halftime, Yilmaz pressed hard and decisively deflected a pass from the goalkeeper. The ball landed on Haitz, who took a 4:0 lead into halftime.
Germany exuded passion, joy of play and creativity – and Colombia had no answers. This new creative spark is also due to a tactical adjustment: the coaching staff systematically lined up two of the three dribblers – Anan, Cekic and Metidji – together to create more moments of surprise and offensive power.
And the players returned that trust. In the second half, Metidji made it 5:0 after a strong assist from Yilmaz. In the 28th minute, Colombia scored a consolation goal to make it 5:1 with an impressive solo effort.
Advertisement
The answer came immediately: Metidji headed the ball towards Fries, who also scored with a header to make it 6:1 and seal the deal. The final word went to the outstanding man of the evening, Cekic. After an acceleration, he finished calmly and low in the bottom corner – 7:1.
With this victory, Germany overtakes Colombia and Spain, finishing the group stage in second place behind Ukraine.
Tough opponent in the round of 16
As group runners-up, Germany will now face the winner of Group H. This will most likely be Hungary, who confidently won their first two matches.
Hungary brings back bad memories: at the last SOCCA European Championship, Germany narrowly lost 0:1 in the round of 16. At the time, the DKFV team easily made it through the group stage – Hungary became the first real test.
Advertisement
This time, Germany has already experienced ups and downs, its senses are sharp, and the desire for redemption is great. An exciting duel awaits you. If Hungary does indeed win its group – which is currently expected – the match will take place on Saturday at 4:35 a.m.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.
