Germany's Under-17s Miss Out on Euros After Defeat to France
Germany's Under-17 team has failed to qualify for this summer's UEFA European Under-17 Championship following a 2-0 defeat to France in their final qualification match. The result in the final group stage game saw Germany finish third in their group, ending their hopes of competing in this summer's finals.
With a draw sufficient for France to secure their own qualification, the French side adopted a cautious, controlling approach in the first half. Germany created the better of the early chances, with Louis Lemke, who had scored a late equaliser against Slovenia, forcing an early save from French goalkeeper Thâo Mouapa. Jannik Veit and Edin Biber also went close for Germany, but the sides went into the break goalless.
The second half saw France grow into the game, and they broke the deadlock in the 70th minute. Half-time substitute Noah Loufoundou scored from close range to put France ahead. The victory and France's qualification were sealed in the 84th minute when Arone Gadou, who had earlier rattled the German crossbar, scored the second goal to make it 2-0.
The result means Germany, who finished on four points, have not only missed out on the Under-17 Euros, but have also failed to qualify for the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup. Only the best four second-placed teams across all groups advance, and Germany's points tally was not sufficient to secure a spot.
France, who won all three of their group matches to finish with a perfect nine points, topped the group and will be one of the eight teams competing at the finals in Estonia this summer. Germany, the 2023 European champions at this age level, will not be present to defend their title.
