Germany
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Article summary
Winners five years ago and runners-up in 2011 and 2012, Germany return to the Under-17 final tournament after missing out on Slovakia last year.
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Having lost to the Netherlands in the 2011 and 2012 UEFA European Under-17 Championship showpieces, Germany last year missed out on the final tournament altogether. Given a bye through to this season's elite round, Germany racked up convincing victories against Georgia and the Republic of Ireland before coming from behind to secure a decisive 1-1 draw with Group 5 hosts Serbia.
Germany have a rich history at this level, winning the U16 version in 1984 and 1992, and the U17 version five years ago. That 2009 vintage included the likes of Mario Götze, Marc-André ter Stegen and Bernd Leno. Christian Wück's current crop are typical of a German youth team in their intent to dominate possession and overrun the opposition.
Qualifying round
Bye
Elite round
Georgia 4-0, Republic of Ireland 3-0, Serbia 1-1 (Group 5 winners)
Coach: Christian Wück
Date of birth: 9 June 1973
Nationality: German
Playing career: DJK Gänheim, 1. FC Schweinfurt 05, 1. FC Nürnberg, Karlsruher SC, VfL Wolfsburg, DSC Arminia Bielefeld
Coaching career: DSC Arminia Bielefeld (reserves), SV Enger-Westerenger, Rot Weiss Ahlen, Holstein Kiel, Germany U16, Germany U17
Wück was an attacking midfielder or striker as a player, most often deployed on the wing due to his searing pace. When he was brought on aged 17 in his first Bundesliga game for Nürnberg, he was the third-youngest player ever to appear in the German top flight. After being promoted from assistant to head coach at Ahlen, he won promotion to the second tier right away. He could not replicate that at third-tier Kiel and joined the German Football Association (DFB) in 2012.
Team records
Qualifying top scorer
Phillipp Ochs: 3
UEFA European Under-17 Championship best
Winners: 2009
Runners-up: 2011
Honours in UEFA youth competitions
UEFA European Under-19 Championship
Winners: 2008
UEFA European Under-18 Championship
Winners: 1981 (West Germany), 1985 (East Germany)
Runners-up: 1994, 1998
UEFA European Under-16 Championship
Winners: 1984 (West Germany), 1992
Runners-up: 1982 (West Germany), 1989 (East Germany)
International Youth Tournament (U18)
Winners: 1965, 1970 (both East Germany)
Runners-up: 1954 (West Germany), 1969, 1973 (both East Germany)
Other honours:
FIFA U-20 World Cup
Winners: 1981 (West Germany)