Overview

• Ilyas Ansah and Dzenan Pejcinovic struck early in the second half to seal the victory in Elbasan.
• Coach Antonio Di Salvo used all 19 outfield players, gave several debuts, named Aljoscha Kemlein captain and started Dennis Seimen in goal.
• Only five players from the recent European Championship finalist squad were retained as the team begins a new cycle.
• Di Salvo called for players to bring their strengths and passion, and DFB executive Andreas Rettig viewed the performance more positively than the senior team’s defeat to Slovakia.
• Germany begins U21 Euro qualifying on Tuesday in Rostock against Latvia at 20:30 on Sat.1, aiming to win the group to reach the 2027 finals that also allocate Olympic berths for Los Angeles 2028.