2 days ago
'We can achieve something great' - Woltemade after latest U21 gala
Germany's Nick Woltemade (R) and Rocco Reitz react after the UEFA European Under 21 championship soccer match between Czech Republic and Germany. Woltemade believes that Germany on a good path towards a possible fourth under-21 European championship title, and the VfB Stuttgart striker is a key factor. Branislav Racko/dpa
Nick Woltemade believes that Germany on a good path towards a possible fourth under-21 European championship title, and the VfB Stuttgart striker is a key factor.
Wotemade followed up on his hat-trick in the opening 3-0 against Slovenia with another goal and two assists in Sunday's 4-2 victory against the Czech Republic.
Advertisement
Germany are qualified for the quarter-finals, where they will face Spain or Italy, ahead of their final group game on Wednesday against defending champions England.
England beat Germany 2-0 in the group stage of the last U21 Euros in 2023 which sent the Germans home, but things are looking much brighter now.
"We definitely have the potential and the mentality to achieve something great here," Woltemade said.
Nicolo Tresoldi, who scored the opening goal on Sunday, said: "We have done our job. Now it is England and we want to win our third game in a row."
Germany's U21 team is unbeaten in almost two years as it sets its sights on another Euro trophy, after previous success in 2009, 2017 and 2021.
Advertisement
Coach Antonio di Salvo is delighted to have Woltemade, who recently also made his senior national team debut in Nations League games against Portugal and France.
Woltemade is tournament top scorer with four goals and was Man of the Match in both games. If he continues in this way he could become the first German Player of the Tournament since former World Cup winner Rudi Völler in 1982.
"He changes our game, and that's why I am happy that he arrived with so much energy and that he his keen to play football and keen to have success with us," Di Salvo said.
He added on Monday: "Nick deserves to be the centre of attention right now, but it's a credit to the whole team.
Advertisement
"We've now scored seven goals. Nick was involved in many, many goals. But I'd still like to mention again that we've played very well as a team so far."
Woltemade said that "assists are always nice" and that "I am happy that the other lads also scored their first goals in the tournament."
Tresoldi, Paul Nebel and Eric Martel were on target alongside Woltemade, and defender Rocco Reitz named the two victories "a signal towards our rivals" and "a boost for our confidence."
Di Salvo meanwhile announced "a few hours off" for the players "so that they can find the time to enjoy this great event."
Advertisement
For Woltemade, this just means recovery: "I will stick to resting and save my energy for the next games."
Di Salvo said on Monday that Woltemade may even be rested for the England match.
He has now played twice for the senior national team, and two games over the full distance here, and that's why I need to talk to him," Di Salvo.
