Germany's U-21 footballers gave Antonio Di Salvo a win in his debut as national coach in a crazy final phase.
The young German footballers saved a 3: 2 (1: 1) against Israel on Thursday in Paderborn thanks to the late goals from Kevin Schade (89th minute) and Jonathan Burkardt (90th + 1).
The German team thus defended their first place in the qualification group in front of the Israelis.
Only the first in the group can buy the ticket for the EM 2023 directly, the next German opponent is Hungary on Tuesday (5.30 p.m.).
The European champions were the superior team at the debut of the previous assistant Di Salvo in front of 3262 spectators in his native Paderborn, but had a hard time against Israel and conceded two simple goals. The DFB youth turned up late and the game. Doron Leidner brought the guests into the lead (28th minute), U-21 debutant Malik Tillman from FC Bayern was initially able to equalize (34th). After the Israelis' second goal by Omri Gandelman (51st), the DFB youth struck back in their first home game in front of fans in almost two years, but in the closing stages.
The previous U-21 coach Stefan Kuntz, who has taken over the position of Turkish national coach, wished his former team good luck in a video message before kick-off. And the DFB Juniors dominated the game even without the injured exceptional talent Youssoufa Moukoko. Above all, the two newcomers Tillman and Schade caused an offensive stir. Freiburg's Schade hit the post with his header after a free kick (11th). The Israelis, who also started with two wins from two games, were particularly dangerous when it came to counter-chances and in the fast switching game.
Di Salvo had called up a total of three debutants.
The fact that the eleven, which had changed in numerous positions, was partly lacking in the vote, was particularly evident on the offensive.
But that did not change the German superiority.
After a nice combination, Angelo Stiller was free, but lifted the ball over the goal (26th).
And this negligence took revenge.
After a dream pass from midfield of the Israelis, Leidner was free and scored to make it 0-1.
But the German team was not deterred and was rewarded.
After a nice interaction with striker Erik Shuranov, Tillman scored the deserved 1-1 with his U-21 premier goal.
Di Salvo clenched his fist on the sidelines and continued to cheer on his team.
But shortly after the break, the next setback followed: The guests took advantage of Gandelman's second chance to score a second.
The hosts looked shocked and found it difficult to find another answer.
But the German selection fought their way back into the game and had a chance to equalize.
Tillman only hit the crossbar from close range (70th).
The German team pressed more and more and came through Schade to equalize before Burkardt even ensured the victory.