Vagnoman reaches the U21 Euros semi-finals with Germany

Josha Vagnoman and his teammates sprinted towards their goalkeeper Finn Dahmen (1. FSV Mainz 05) after he saved two penalties in last night’s quarterfinal against Denmark. His vital stops allowed Paul Jaeckel (SpVgg Greuther Fürth) to score the winning penalty in Hungary. HSV’s academy product started the game and played the full 90 minutes, before coming off for extra time.

Vagnoman played as an attacking right-back in Székesfehérvár and Germany could have had the lead at the break. Denmark, who won all three of their group games, were compact and even took the lead in the 69th minute. However, Hamburg-born striker Lukas Nmecha (RSC Anderlecht) grabbed a late equaliser to send the tie to extra time (88’). Vagnoman, playing his eighth game for the U21s, made way for Paul Jaeckel at the start of extra time. Jonathan Burkardt (1. FSV Mainz 05) then put Stefan Kuntz’s side ahead in the 100th minute, before a Denmark penalty eight minutes later took the game to a shootout.

Germany won 6-5 on penalties to book their place in the next round where they will face the Netherlands on Thursday (3rd June). The Dutch actually put out tournament favourites France 2-1 prior to the Germany game. Stephan Ambrosius will be watching that huge clash on TV at home, after unfortunately tearing his ACL in April. The defender had been part of the squad for the group stage in March.