DFB Youth beat USA at World Cup: U17s reach quarter-finals in “City of Flowers”.

DFB Youth beat USA at World Cup
The U17 “City of Flowers” advanced to the quarter finals.

November 21, 2023, 12:14 pm

The Germany U17 national team advanced to the quarterfinals of the World Cup in Indonesia, defeating the United States. Without the injured Azan Ouydrogo, the German youth team struggled to advance to the next round with a 3-2 win over the Americans in the round of 16 in Bandung.

The German U17 national team are in the quarter-finals of the World Cup after Bilal Yalcinkaya’s late joker goal. Coach Christian Wouk’s side won 3-2 (2-1) against the USA in Bandung, Indonesia in a thrilling round of 16 encounter and now face Spain on Friday.

Charles Herrmann (14th minute) and Max Morstedt (34th) scored early goals for the European champions in a hard-fought victory over the American boys. Taha Habrun (24th) and David Vasquez (80th) each equalized at the Jalak Harubat Stadium. As the penalty shootout approached, HSV’s Yalcinkaya (87′) scored the match winner soon after.

The dream of a first World Cup title is alive

The DFB team got off to a perfect start in the “City of Flowers”. Dortmund’s Herrmann beautifully converted a free kick from 20 metres. A poor pass from Bayern keeper Max Schmidt proved to be a solid support in the closing stages, equalizing against a defense that had not yet sorted itself out. Hoffenheim’s top scorer Morsted was 2-1 up at the other end after Herrmann’s preparatory work.

Again, the US team, led by 15-year-old shooting star Nymfasha Bergimas, struck back. With a free kick from the right wing, David Vazquez outplayed the entire German team, with FC Barcelona’s captain Noah Darwich having to leave the field early due to injury. Hamburg’s Yalsinkaya came on for Morstedt and seconds later scored a personal effort from a tight angle. Then there was the jitters and the fight until the final whistle.

Germany qualified for the World Cup in Southeast Asia after beating France on penalties in the European Championship final in Hungary. It was the fourth European Championship title for German U17s after 1984, 1992 and 2009. At the World Cup, Germany youth are still without a title. In 1985, the DFB reached the final and lost to Nigeria, and in 2007 and 2011, Germany finished third.