U21s a doubt for EUROs quarter-finals after defeat

There another setback for a Germany U21s team featuring Márton Dárdai and Jessic Ngankam at the U21 European Championships, with the title holders losing 2-1 to the Czech Republic on Sunday. This means that following two games in Group C, Antonio Di Salvo’s side are still yet to pick up all three points, having drawn with Israel 1-1 in their opening game. While Ngankam only appeared as a late substitute in Germany’s tournament opener, he started this game against the ‘Reprezentace’. Jan Suchopárek’s side started the game deep, but took the lead just after the half hour mark through Václav Sejk (33’). Hertha’s number 24 was substituted at half time, before Angelo Stiller equalised for Germany in the second half (70’). In the closing stages, however, there was a final twist in the tale, with Martin Vitík scoring to make it 2-1 (87’). Márton Dárdai was an unused substitute.

Qualification not in their own hands

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Dárdai & Ngankam called up to provisional Germany U21s squad

Dárdai & Ngankam called up to provisional Germany U21s squad

Dárdai & Ngankam called up to provisional Germany U21s squad

Germany’s head coach was understandably disappointed after the defeat: “When you have as many chances as we had and the ball doesn’t go in, that’s obviously a factor. The Czech Republic made a lot out of the few chances they had,” explained the 44-year-old. Nevertheless, there is still hope that they can reach the quarter-finals. “We have to win the game against England. We will put out our strongest side and play for a win,” emphasised Di Salvo. The team’s final group game against the ‘Three Lions’, who have already qualified having picked up a maximum six points from their first two games, takes place on Wednesday (28.06.23, 18:00 CEST). In order to get through, Dárdai, Ngankam und Co. not only need to win, but also need Israel to do them a favour against the Czech Republic.