The heroic Heidi propels Germany into the final
In a thrilling match, Germany defeated Argentina on penalties.
In a FIFA U-17 World Cup TM classic, Germany defeated Argentina with goals from Paris Brunner (one brace, one penalty kick that won the shootout).
Player of the Match Konstantin Heidi saved Argentina’s first two penalty kick attempts despite Agustin Ruberto’s amazing hat-trick for Argentina. The Germans prevailed on spot-kicks.
When Germany led 3-2 in the final seconds of the match, it appeared as though they would win in regulation time. However, Ruberto’s brilliant goal in the 97th minute forced a shootout.
Heidi then saved the penalties taken by Argentina’s Franco Mastantuono and Claudio Echeverri, before Brynner sealed a memorable victory.
With a devious move on the left flank, Brunner found space and fired a shot under Jeremias Florentine in the Argentina goal, giving Germany the early advantage in the match.
After Dylan Gorosito beat Brunner for possession and returned the ball to the No. 9, Ruberto scored to tie the score for Argentina.
Ruberto’s second goal in first-half stoppage time was incredible, even though his first was unremarkable. With a quick change of direction, the River Plate attacker took down Finn Jeltsch, the center back, and fired a shot into the upper corner.
Germany equalized through yet another brilliant goal from Brunner as they had a strong start to the second half. After Argentina goalkeeper Florentine mishandled the ball, the Borussia Dortmund star raced forward and curled in a delicious shot from the edge of the box.
After leveling the score at two goals apiece, Christian Wuck’s team appeared to gain confidence as Max Moerstedt skillfully headed home from six yards out on 69 minutes to give them the lead again.
Subsequently, Argentina introduced backup goalkeeper Franco Villalba for the shootout, but Argentina’s efforts proved futile as Germany won on penalties following Ruberto’s last-gasp equalizer.
Germany have reached the final of the tournament for the first time since its inaugural edition in 1985.
Argentina have now lost their last six U-17 World Cup semi-finals.
It’s fantastic, and I’m so happy for the boys. particularly considering that they essentially slept through the first part. After scoring in a counterattack, we kind of lost our minds. We didn’t want the Argentinians to be able to play their game, so we weren’t in the tackles. In the second half, we then revealed who we really were. Compared to the Argentinians, we were far more aggressive and brave in our defense. I’m proud of the boys because they altered their strategy, showed bravery, realized that this was possible, and ultimately prevailed in the game.” Sayed German coach Christian Wuck
Goals: Paris Brunner (9, 58) Max Moerstedt (69); Agustin Ruberto (36, 45+4, 90+7)
Player of the match: Konstantin Heide (GER)
Sportzlanka.com
