In a highly anticipated match at the FIFA U-17 Men's World Cup, New Zealand is gearing up to face off against group favorites Germany. The German team, currently the reigning European champions in this age group, clinched the 2023 UEFA European Under-17 Championship title by triumphing over holders France in a thrilling 5-4 penalty shoot-out during the final held in June.
Germany's Impressive Track Record
Germany, making their 11th appearance at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, shares the record for the most appearances by a European nation with Spain, another formidable contender in the current tournament hosted in Indonesia. Germany's inaugural performance at the tournament saw them finish as runners-up to Nigeria, marking a historic achievement for the team.
The German squad has consistently demonstrated their prowess on the global stage, reaching the semi-finals three times and securing third place in 2007 and 2011. Their remarkable goal-scoring abilities were evident in 2007 and 2011, where they finished as the top scorers. In the 2011 edition, Germany's tally of 24 goals was surpassed only by Nigeria, who scored 26.
Noteworthy individual achievements also contribute to Germany's storied history in the tournament. Marcel Witeczek, in 1985, claimed the Golden Boot after scoring eight goals, including consecutive hat-tricks in the knockout phase. In 2007, Toni Kroos was awarded the prestigious Golden Ball as the tournament's best player.
The Path to the Showdown
In the opening matches of the tournament, Germany secured a convincing 3-1 victory against Mexico, showcasing their attacking prowess. On the other hand, New Zealand faced a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Venezuela. Both teams now stand on opposite ends of the spectrum, and the upcoming clash promises to be a battle of skill, strategy, and determination.
Squads Overview
New Zealand
Goalkeepers:
- 12 Josh Brown, Western Suburbs, New Zealand
- 1 Matt Foord, Cashmere Technical, New Zealand
- 21 Eamonn McCarron, Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
Defenders:
- 4 Luka Coveny, Western United, Australia
- 13 Noah DuPont, West Bromwich Albion, England
- 16 Jesper Edwards, Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
- 6 Dylan Gardiner, Hamilton Wanderers, New Zealand
- 15 Athan Thompson, Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
Midfielders:
- 19 Anaru Cassidy, Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
- 7 Matt D’Hotman, Melville United, New Zealand
- 8 Paris Domfeh, Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
- 5 Anton Isaako, Sydney FC, Australia
- 3 Marley Leuluai, Burnley, England
- 20 Luke Mitchell, Hamilton Wanderers, New Zealand
- 14 Nick Murphy, Christchurch United, New Zealand
- 2 Mac Prathumphithak, Christchurch United, New Zealand
Forwards:
- 18 Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues, Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
- 11 Luke Supyk, Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
- 9 Stipe Ukich, Auckland City, New Zealand
- 17 Nathan Walker, Fencibles United, New Zealand
- 10 Adam Watson, Stoke City, England
Staff:
- Head coach: Martin Bullock
- Assistant coach: Aaron Clapham
- Goalkeeper coach: Daniel Knight
Germany
Goalkeepers:
- 1 Max-joseph Schmitt, FC Bayern München, Germany
- 12 Konstantin Heide, Spvgg Unterhaching, Germany
- 21 Louis Babatz, FSV Mainz 05, Germany
Defenders:
- 3 Almimer Kabar, Borussia Dortmund, Germany
- 4 Finn Jeltsch, FC Nürnberg, Germany
- 5 Maxim Dal, FSV Mainz 05, Germany
- 8 Maximillian Herwerth, VFB Stuttgaart, Germany
- 13 Maximilian Hennig, FC Bayern München, Germany
- 14 David Odogu, VFL Wolfsburg, Germany
- 15 Justin Von Der Hitz, FC Köln, Germany
- 17 Eric Da Silva Moreira, FC St. Pauli, Germany
Midfielders:
- 2 Kurt Rüger, FC Bayern München, Germany
- 6 Fayssai Harchaoui, FC Köln, Germany
- 10 Noah Darvich, FC Barcelona, Spain
- 11 Charles Herrmann, Borussia Dortmund, Germany
- 16 Winners Osawei, RB Leipzig, Germany
- 18 Farid Alfa-Ruprecht, Manchester City, England
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