Germany's U21 team won 3-0 (2-0) against Northern Ireland in Euro qualification. Nicolò Tresoldi scored both first-half goals, with Nelson Weiper adding a late third. The crucial match against Greece follows next.
In Braunschweig, Germany's U21 team under coach Antonio Di Salvo started their Euro qualification with a 3-0 win over Northern Ireland. Before 10,391 spectators, Nicolò Tresoldi from FC Brugge was the star, scoring in his 23rd cap: a penalty in the 11th minute and a header in the 41st.
For the opener, Tresoldi intercepted a short backpass from Shea Kearney, was fouled by goalkeeper Fraser Barnsley, and converted the spot-kick. "I'm happy that I scored two goals," Tresoldi told ProSieben Maxx post-match. Nelson Weiper of 1. FSV Mainz 05 sealed it in the 90th minute.
After halftime, FC Augsburg's Mert Kömür hit the post (49th), and Northern Ireland had a chance to pull one back. Greece lead the group after a 5-0 win over Malta. Tuesday's (6pm, ProSieben Maxx) clash in Athens decides the group winner – following a 2-3 loss there last year.
For the 2027 U21 Euros in Albania and Serbia, group winners and the best runner-up qualify directly; other runners-up enter playoffs. (RND/dpa)
