Germany U21s on verge of EURO exit despite Stiller goal

The statistics stood in contrast to the result: the Germany U21s registered more possession (64%) and more shots (28-13) against Czechia. But the Czechs finished 2-1 ahead in the decisive statistical category – goals – and won the match. Following a 1-1 draw in their opening game against Israel, the DFB team now need to beat England in their final game on Wednesday and rely on help from Israel in order to reach the quarter-finals.

Angelo Stiller kept his place in the starting XI from the first group game and produced an outstanding performance. With his team 1-0 down since the 33rd minute, the TSG Hoffenheim midfielder equalised on the 70-minute mark and has thus been directly involved in both Germany goals at the tournament (one assist, one goal). But the DFB team could not get the winner they were hoping for and Czechia made it 2-1 instead (87), leaving the 22-year-old disappointed after the game: “We tried everything, the ball didn’t want to go in. It’s bitter. We’re not getting the rub of the green. It wasn’t meant to be. It’s hard to take.” Stiller was substituted off with a minor injury shortly before the end, with the score at 1-1. Finn Ole Becker, who is also in the Germany U21 squad, did not feature.

If they are to reach the quarter-finals, the DFB team must get a win against group leaders England on Wednesday and hope for an Israeli victory against Czechia.