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Aue (dpa) - Florian Krüger can start the journey to the U21 European championship with self-confidence and a clear conscience.

The striker from second division soccer club FC Erzgebirge Aue paved the way for the later 2-0 home win of the Saxons over SV Sandhausen with his opening goal.

«That was the sense of achievement we had hoped for.

Now the EM can come », said Krüger.

With the nomination by national coach Stefan Kuntz, a great wish comes true for the 22-year-old.

«Every footballer probably dreams of being part of a European Championship.

The U21s are also of enormous importance.

This is a huge highlight for me, if not the greatest experience of my still young career, ”explained Krüger.

At the tournament, the DFB Juniors will meet co-hosts Hungary (Wednesday), the Netherlands (March 27) and Romania (March 30).

Because of the corona pandemic, the EM was divided into two parts this year.

The preliminary round is followed by the knockout phase from May 31st to June 6th.

The two best teams in each of the four groups of four qualify for the quarter-finals.

“As a Germany, you always have the right to want to play for the title.

That should be our goal, ”said Kruger confidently.

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The fact that the native of Staßfurt, who once played in the youth division of 1. FC Magdeburg and FC Schalke 04, is part of the EM squad is primarily the result of his continuous development.

In a total of 74 second division appearances for Aue, Krüger scored 20 goals and provided 19 assists.

In the current season alone, the winger has scored eleven times.

«In the interplay with the team, but especially with Pascal Testroet, Florian is extremely important for our game.

With his basic speed he can make life difficult for many opponents.

He's also become even more efficient and brutal when it comes to the deals, ”said coach Dirk Schuster.

While Krüger is firmly established in Aue, he will have to fight hard for every minute of the game at the EM.

Because in forward talent Youssoufa Moukoko from Borussia Dortmund or Mërgim Berisha from Champions League participant Salzburg, the internal competition in attack is very strong.

“I will take every minute that I can get with me and I want to be part of the team.

In what form that will be remains to be seen.

I can decide a little myself with my performance in training, ”explained Krüger.

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After the last five league games without a goal of his own, the blond boy ended his short dry spell against Sandhausen.

After a sharp input from Florian Ballas, the attacker only had to hold out his foot at the far post to make it 1-0 in the 54th minute.

"We had more greed in front of the goal than Sandhausen and are all very happy about the win," said the attacker.

His strike partner Testroet made it 2-0 with a shot into the far corner (70th).

«Flo and I delivered as announced.

We now have a good lead of 14 points on the two direct relegation places.

We will continue to score points and make things clear, »said Testroet.

© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210321-99-908568 / 2

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