Overview

• Germany conceded twice in the 13th and 14th minutes in Jena, pulled level through Muhammed Damar (54') and Tom Rothe (59'), then lost to an 81st‑minute strike by Dimitris Rallis.
• Debutant goalkeeper Dennis Seimen miscontrolled a back pass before Stefanos Tzimas made it 2–0, a mistake pundits highlighted even as they praised his response afterward.
• The defeat is Germany’s first U21 qualifying loss since November 2021, with 7,830 spectators watching the setback that leaves the team third in its group.
• With only group winners qualifying directly for the 2027 finals, Germany now needs a victory in Belfast against Northern Ireland on Tuesday to keep realistic hopes on track.
• In the senior match against Luxembourg, Julian Nagelsmann reverted Joshua Kimmich to right back and started Nico Schlotterbeck, while a VAR-awarded handball penalty and straight red for Dirk Carlson drew broad criticism.