False start and goalkeeper blackout: U21 loses to Greece

Germany's U21 team suffered their first defeat in a European Championship qualifier for almost four years, putting a serious damper on their progress to the European Championship. After a disastrous false start with two goals conceded within a minute, the German Football Association lost 3:2 (2:2) to Greece despite a comeback in the meantime.

After a miserable start with two goals conceded by Konstantinos Kostoulas (13th minute) and former Nuremberg player Stefanos Tzimas (14th), aided by a blackout by goalkeeper Dennis Seimen, the German team fought back after the break thanks to an improved performance. After goals from Hoffenheim's Muhammed Damar (54th minute) and Tom Rothe from Union Berlin (59th), coach Antonio Di Salvo's team pushed for victory. However, the visitors celebrated after Dimitris Rallis (81) punished the hesitant DFB defense.

Next test on Tuesday in Belfast

The defeat in front of 7,830 spectators is the first in a qualifying match since the 0:4 against Poland in November 2021. At that time, the German team nevertheless qualified for the European Championship with aplomb. After two matchdays, the table of the current qualifying round is not yet very meaningful. On Tuesday (18:30/ProSieben Maxx) in Belfast against Northern Ireland, the German team urgently needed a win on the road to the 2027 finals.

Bitter goalkeeping blackout before the break

The German team, led by captain and debutant Tom Bischof from FC Bayern, had repeated problems against the offensively strong Greeks and was particularly vulnerable defensively. The performance in the stronger second half was no comparison to the tough and uninspired game in the first half, and much more could have been possible.

The start was particularly bitter: After a free-kick, Kostoulas took advantage of the confusion in the German defense to take the lead. 13 seconds after the kick-off, Tzimas increased the lead to 2:0 after Paderborn keeper Seimen had fumbled the ball. The game might have gone in a completely different direction had Mainz's Nelson Weiper's header not hit the post shortly before the break (45.+1).