Brunner's dream debut fuels Germany U21 win in Riga

While Germany U21 entered the final qualifying match in Riga without several senior regulars, Paris Brunner’s first appearance turned the game into a personal showcase. The 20‑year‑old striker opened the scoring after just 53 seconds and added a second from distance, almost single‑handedly securing a 4‑0 victory.

Brunner’s impact and supporting cast

Brunner’s double, recorded at the modest Daugava Stadium, arrived alongside goals from Nicoló Tresoldi in the 52nd minute and Arijon Ibrahimovic in the 76th. Coach Antonio Di Salvo praised the newcomer, describing him as “very dangerous in front of goal” and noting his “very good run”.

After a flat pass from Lukas Ullrich, Brunner reacted inside the five‑meter box, nudging the ball across the line with his right knee for the early lead. His second strike came from the edge of the penalty area after the team had initially struggled against Latvia’s compact defence.

Group dynamics and future stakes

The win leaves Germany atop Group F with 21 points, level on points with Greece but ahead on goal difference. The team now needs two more victories – against Malta on Wednesday at 18:00 and against Georgia on 6 October in Bielefeld – to clinch direct qualification.

Absent from the squad were senior players such as Said El Mala, Lennart Karl and Brajan Gruda, who have been called up to Jürgen Klopp’s senior squad. Their spots were taken by former U17 world champions Noah Darvich and Brunner, both making their U21 debuts.

Coach Di Salvo also highlighted Tresoldi’s progress; the striker netted his 13th goal in his 25th U21 appearance, five goals shy of Pierre Littbarski’s record. Former Bayern captain Tom Bischof was substituted after 58 minutes and will join Klopp’s “second squad” for the senior national team, though he remained in Riga for the match.

The U21 European Championship will be staged from 16 June to 3 July 2027 in Albania and Serbia, also serving as qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.