Paris Brunner scored a brace and subsequently converted the game-winning penalty as Germany defeated Argentina in a FIFA U-17 World Cup classic, reaching the tournament’s final for the first time since its inception in 1985.
Argentina’s Agustin Ruberto scored a hat-trick, but his remarkable efforts were in vain as the Germans won on penalties, with Player of the Match Konstantin Heide saving Argentina’s first two tries.
Germany appeared to be heading to overtime as they led 3-2 in the waning stages of the game, but Ruberto’s clinical 97th-minute finish forced a shootout.
Argentina’s Franco Mastantuono and Claudio Echeverri subsequently saw their penalties saved by Heide before Brunner sealed the victory.
Germany struck first, with Brunner deceiving his way into space on the left wing before squeezing a shot underneath Argentina custodian Jeremias Florentine.
Argentina equalised when Ruberto pounced after Dylan Gorosito regained possession from Brunner and cut the ball back to the No. 9.
Ruberto’s first goal was easy, but his second goal in first-half stoppage time was spectacular. With a quick change of direction, the River Plate forward sat down centre-back Finn Jeltsch before crashing a shot into the top corner.
Germany made a solid second-half start and levelled the game with another magnificent Brunner goal. The Borussia Dortmund star took advantage of a lost pass from Argentina custodian Florentine, raced forward, and curled in a stunning strike from the edge of the area.
After tying the game at 2-2, Christian Wuck’s team reclaimed the lead on 69 minutes when Max Moerstedt skillfully headed home from six yards.
Then came Ruberto’s last-gasp equaliser, before Germany won on penalties, Argentina’s use of back-up custodian Franco Villalba for the shootout proving futile.
“It’s wonderful, I’m incredibly happy for the boys,” Germany coach Christian Wuck remarked after the game. Especially because they slept during the entire first half. We scored on a counter-attack and then went into shock mode. We weren’t in the tackles, so the Argentinians could play their game, which was exactly what we didn’t want.
“In the second half, we showed our true colours.” We defended valiantly and aggressively than the Argentinians. That’s why I’m proud: the lads adapted their game, were gutsy, understood something was possible here, and ultimately won the game.”