With a victory in the penalty shoot-out against Switzerland thanks to an outstanding performance by Paris Brunner, the Germany U17s moved into the semi-finals of the European Championships. That means they have also qualified for the U17 World Cup, which will be held in Peru from 10 November to 2 December.

"The boys once again showed a mentality on the pitch that we haven't seen for some time," beamed coach Christian Wück after a dramatic game, in which the German side had to play with ten men for 75 minutes after centre-back Dal saw a red card after a quarter of an hour for a foul in the box. Boteli converted the resulting penalty to give Switzerland a 1-0 lead.

But led by Paris Brunner, who had hit the bar in the 12th minute, the team brilliantly fought their way back into the game. The Dortmund attacker, who had been denied by goalkeeper Muslija on multiple occasions, scored in the 49th minute to give his side a deserved equaliser after he got on the end of a cross from his club teammate, Charles Herrmann. Brunner had the chance to score the winner in added time, but was once again denied by brilliant reactions from the Swiss shot-stopper, so the tie went to penalties.

In addition to Brunner, Christian Wück also selected Dortmund's Almugera Kabar and Charles Herrmann in the starting eleven. Kjell Wätjen came on in the 77th minute, and scored the last penalty kick to give his side a 3-2 victory and prompt wild celebrations in the stands. "I am proud of the entire team and everyone who works here. We got what we deserved here," said Wück.

Germany will face Poland in the semi-final on Tuesday, where they will face another talented youngster from the BVB youth performance centre in defender Nico Adamczyk.
(wiwi)