Two penalty kicks, one half with an extra player, but still the win remained out of reach: the Germany U21 team were held to a 1-1 (1-1) draw with Israel in the opening game of their U21 EURO campaign. The young German side were left to rue several missed opportunities: after just two minutes of play, Borussia Dortmund’s Youssoufa Moukoko failed to convert a penalty kick. In the 20th minute, Israel hit coach Antonio Di Salvo’s team on the counter, with Dor Turgeman applying the finishing touches to make it 1-0. Despite the setback, Germany continued to control proceedings, and just six minutes later, they found themselves back on level terms. TSG midfielder Angelo Stiller delivered a free-kick into the area, where Yann-Aurel Bisseck was on hand to head the ball into the back of the net. Stiller was again at the heart of the action in first-half injury time, as he was felled to the ground by Eden Karzev, who received a second yellow card and was sent to the dressing room for an early shower. Germany pressed hard for a winner in the second half, but the goal remained elusive. The biggest chance again came from the penalty spot, the second of the night. This time it was Hertha BSC’s Jessic Ngankam who took on the responsibility, but he too was unable to hit the target. Angelo Stiller played the full 90 minutes, while Finn Ole Becker was an unused substitute.
Germany will play their second group game on Sunday, when they face the Czech Republic.
Andrej Kramarić (Croatia)
Nations League semi final: Netherlands 2-4 (AET) Croatia
Nations League final, Sunday 18 June: Croatia 0-0, 5-4 (penalties) Spain
Christoph Baumgartner (Austria)
EURO qualifier, Saturday 17 June: Belgium 1-1 Austria
EURO qualifier, Tuesday 20 June: Austria 2-0 Sweden
Ozan Kabak (Türkiye)
EURO qualifier, Friday 16 June: Latvia 2-3 Türkiye
EURO qualifier, Monday 19 June: Türkiye 2-0 Wales
Kevin Akpoguma (Nigeria)
AFCON qualifier, Sunday 18 June: Sierra Leone 2-3 Nigeria
Ihlas Bebou (Togo)
AFCON qualifier, Sunday 18 June: Eswatini 0-2 Togo
Angelo Stiller (Germany U21s)
U21 EURO, Thursday 22 June: Germany U21s 1-1 Israel U21s
U21 EURO, Sunday 25 June: Czechia U21s vs. Germany U21s
U21 EURO, Wednesday 28 June: England U21s vs. Germany U21s