Missed Euro title, but HSV academy graduate Stange can still smile! | OneFootball

Otto Stange fired the Germany U19s into the final with his goals, but could not prevent the defeat against Spain.

He faced an uphill battle in Wrexham, Wales. The German side, which had lost 0-4 in the group-stage meeting marked by heavy rotation on both sides, adopted an extremely defensive approach, at times defending with six men on the back line. Spain had up to 70 percent possession but initially found no solutions. On top of that, after one of the DFB U19s’ few attacks, they were immediately put under pressure. Stange did not hesitate for too long and pulled the trigger, but Manu González saved his shot, which was too central (10').

After that, the Hamburg talent remained a one-man attacking show. Around the half-hour mark, he almost finished off a counterattack single-handedly. With a turn, Stange left two Spanish defenders behind, but once again could not beat González, who cleared with a foot save. It was only toward the end of the first half that Spain also began to create chances, and in the 44th minute Hugo López gave them the lead after one of their few successful combinations.

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U19 Euros: Stange becomes top scorer!

Shortly after the break, Mario Rivas made it 2-0 with a header following a corner (48'). Germany then missed the chance to pull one back quickly through Moritz Reimers – who was still under contract with HSV until June 30. The post and goalkeeper González denied him. Stange, on the other hand, was no longer involved in the second half. Also because, somewhat surprisingly, he had to make way for Jykese Fields after 65 minutes.

The Hamburg forward – one of the standout players in the DFB team throughout the tournament and, even tonight, making almost the best possible use of his just 15 touches of the ball – reacted in near disbelief to being substituted by coach Christian Wörns. From the bench, he had to watch as his teammates created one or two more chances, but could not make them count.

Nur die Raute – by HSV fans for HSV fans

Spain therefore crowned an impressive run of five wins and a 19-0 goal record by becoming thoroughly deserved European champions. For Stange, alongside the silver medal, there was a very valuable consolation prize. Sharing the title of top scorer with José Luis Morante – both finished with four goals and one assist – he was awarded the Golden Boot. With that boost, the Hamburg-born striker will head into pre-season with his beloved club and try to maintain the strong form he showed at the U19 Euros.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.