Germany’s U 18s claimed their second win in their third appearance at the winter tournament in Israel in their final game of the year.
In Shefayim, DFB coach Guido Streichbier’s team beat the United Arab Emirates 3-1 (0-0).
“We struggled in the first half, but after the break things improved, despite the continued adverse conditions and the deficit,” Streichsbier told the federation website afterwards: “You only win games like today’s if there is a positive dynamic in the group, if you are ready to take on such a battle. From that point of view, I would like to pay a big compliment to the team for the way they clawed the game.”
But first things first: Ali Elmarmri had given the United Arab Emirates the lead after 64 minutes. After that, the DFB youngsters pressed for the equaliser – and even turned the game around within six minutes. HSV talent Tom Sanne scored the equaliser as a wild card (71st), Augsburg’s Aaron Zehnter made it 2-1 and Niklas Niehoff from Holstein Kiel, who also came on as a substitute at the break, scored the 3-1 final goal shortly before the end (85th).
These are valuable experiences that the boys can take away from such duels.
The DFB youngsters consequently ended the tournament in Israel with six points from three games. The Streichsbier team had lost 1:3 against Russia at the beginning of the tournament. The German team then stepped up their game and put the Israeli hosts in their place with a 5-0 win.
“Can only help the boys in the future “
“These are valuable experiences that the boys can take away from such duels,” emphasised Streichsbier:“We don’t play against teams like the UAE too often. Unexpected things happen there – to stay with yourself then is important and can only help the boys in the future. That’s why you make trips like this, that’s why we play in the winter tournament. “
For the German U 18s, this marks the end of 2021, with the next course on the agenda from 20 to 30 March 2022. Two challenging duels with France await on 24 and 27 March.
