What: 2013 European Under-21 Championship
Who: Holland vs Germany
When: Thursday 6th June, 2013, at 19:30 UK Time
Where: HaMoshava Stadium, Petah Tikva, Israel
Looking For The Triple Crown
After winning two consecutive titles in 2006 and 2007, Holland missed the last two Euro U21 tournaments. Coach Cor Pot’s mission, to take the Jong Oranje back amongst Europe’s elite, has been accomplished with ease: first place in their qualifying group six points ahead of second and a comfortable double 2-0 win against Slovakia in the playoffs.
Pot however has come to Israel to win the tournament, selecting the best players possible, including several who are already established with the senior side. Apart from goalkeeper Jeroen Zoet, the whole Holland starting eleven is made up by players who have already been capped by the Oranje: Ricardo van Rhijn (6 caps), Stefan de Vrij (5), Bruno Martins Indi (9), Daley Blind (3), Jordy Clasie (5), Adam Maher (4), Kevin Strootman (18), Georginio Wijnaldum (2), Luuk de Jong (7) and Ola John (1).
Pot worked hard to avoid the abundance of quality players bringing their egos into the dressing room, as happened at Euro 2012 with the senior side. The coach has created a hierarchy, with a precise definition of regulars and second choices. Two key players during the qualifying phase, defender Brian Nuytinck and midfielder Marco van Ginkel (recently awarded Eredivisie Talent of the Year) will start on the bench. Pot has no doubts. “The best have to play, that’s what I said to my youngsters. If someone doesn’t agree, it’s better he stays at home.”
Developing Above Performing
In 2009, Germany won the Euro U21 title for the first time, thanks to a golden generation of players, such as Sami Khedira, Manuel Neuer, Mesut Ozil, Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels and Marcel Schmelzer. Despite the current group being unbeaten in qualifying, including the playoff against Switzerland, Germany don’t look as competitive as the 2009 crop. The reason is simple: the most talented players did not head to Israel, but instead joined Jurgen Low’s senior squad.
Having already made their bow at international level, players like Ilkay Gundogan and Julian Draxler, or the currently injured Mario Gotze and Toni Kroos, would have little to learn from the Euro U21 tournament. This is the reason coach Rainer Adrion has opted for a less experienced group, with a few exceptions, such as Tottenham midfielder Lewis Holtby.
The tournament will be a test at international level for Bundesliga regulars, a group that includes Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Bernd Leto, Greuther Furth defender Lasse Sobiech, Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Sebastian Rode, Hoffenheim striker Kevin Volland and Borussia Monchengladbach forward Peniel Mlapa (eight goals in qualifying). Moreover, Adrion has picked two players born in 1994 and uncapped at this level: defender Matthias Ginter and midfielder Emre Can. For the Germans, developing their players is more important than lifting the trophy.
Recent form
Holland:
Israel 1-2 Holland (21/03; Friendly)
Holland 4-1 Norway (25/03; Friendly)
Holland 3-1 Australia (24/05; Friendly)
Germany:
Germany 1-1 Turkey (14/11/2012; Friendly)
Italy 1-0 Germany (06/02; Friendly)
Israel 1-2 Germany (24/03; Friendly)
Players to watch
Holland – Ola John: Few players came to Israel with the same will to win as this left winger, who in recent months with Benfica lost two finals (the Europa League and the Portuguese Cup) and a decisive league match against arch rivals FC Porto (that saw the title slip away from Benfica). A lack of success apart, John’s first year in Portugal was positive, with brilliant performances that led him to make his debut with Holland last February against Italy. The quickness and dribbling skills of this winger with Liberian roots can become a nightmare for Germany’s defence.
Germany – Bernd Leno: The umpteenth greatest goalkeeper in German football, Leno established himself as one of the best 2012/13 Bundesliga performers, and was vital in helping secure Bayer Leverkusen third place and a Champions League spot (a competition which he tasted in September 2011 at the age of 19 years and 193 days, becoming the youngest German goalkeeper ever to play in the Champions League). In an attack-minded team like Adrion’s Germany, his saves will be crucial too, especially against a strong and in-good-shape side like Holland.
Match Prediction
Holland against Germany is a classic game at every level and the fierce rivalry between the two countries makes any kind of prediction difficult. The last time the two teams met was in Sittard on 25th March 2011, with Holland defeated by Germany 3-1. All three German scorers, Pierre-Michel Lasogga, Sebastian Rudy and Holtby, are amongst the 23 men coach Adrion has brought to Israel.
This time Holland seem to be slight favourites on paper, due to the international experience of most of their players. Technically speaking, the Dutch have something more too, especially in midfield. However, Germany can count on their usual consistency and great team-spirit, as the 10 wins and two draws (with 43 goals scored) in qualifying attest to. One thing is certain: it will be a game to enjoy from the kick-off to the final whistle. Holland 3-2 Germany.
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