National team

Josha Vagnoman lifts EURO trophy with Germany U21

20-year-old becomes European U21 Champion as Germany defeat Portugal 1-0 in final.

Germany U21 and HSV’s Josha Vagnoman celebrated a great success on Sunday evening (6th June). Stefan Kuntz’s Germany side lifted the European Championship title in Ljubljana, Slovenia, after defeating Portugal in the final. A goal from RSC Anderlecht forward Lukas Nmecha in the 49th minute secured a 1-0 win.

Josha Vagnoman was an unused substitute on the night but was still able to celebrate Germany’s third U21 title, following successes in 2009 and 2017. The full back completed 90 minutes in the quarter-final win over Denmark, as well as being ever-present in the group stage games in March. Rothosen teammate Stephan Ambrosius also played his part in the success; the defender was in the squad for the group stage before suffering a ruptured cruciate ligament injury.

HSV.de: Josha, a massive congratulations from everyone here at HSV for your U21 European Championship title! How did you spend such a special evening?

Josha Vagnoman: We celebrated the win properly, together with our families and the whole team. Let's just say this: we definitely had a good time. And it's still going on today!

Even if the final is still fresh, do you think it was a deserved victory for your side?

The final against Portugal wasn't an easy game at all but we managed to win thanks to a really good performance. We put in some top performances in the previous games as well so I think that we are absolutely deserving European champions.

How much did it hurt not to appear in the final two matches having played so many minutes up to that point?

Obviously it's a shame that I was unable to play in the final due to some problems with my thigh muscle. We weren't going to take any risks. But it makes me even happier that the team has managed to win this game and the title without me.

What does this title mean for you personally? Is it the biggest moment of your young career so far?

Yes, I’d say so. I am over the moon that we've done it and I think that we can be proud of ourselves. After the league came to an unhappy end for myself and the club this year, this is obviously a better way to wrap up the season for me personally. I've really enjoyed it and now I am already looking forward to getting back to Hamburg.

Foto: Thomas Böcker