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The German U-17 national team on Saturday in Indonesia defeated France on penalties after playing a pulsating 2-2 draw thus becoming the first team to win the World and European U-17 titles in the same year.
Both teams tried hard but canceled eachother after regular and extra time at the Jakarta statdium.
Goalkeeper Konstantin Heide was the German hero, saving two penalties before Borussia Dortmund’s Almugera Kabar scored the decisive spot-kick to seal the shootout 4-3.
Both teams missed two penalties each but Germany recovered on time to lift their first evet U-17 title.
Germany had taken a two-goal lead in normal time, through Borussia Dortmund’s talented forward Paris Brunner in the 28th minute and captain Noah Darvich in the 50th, but were pegged back by a stubborn French side.
France replied three minutes after Darvich’s goal through Monaco’s Saimon Bouabre, who cut into the penalty area and shot across the unsighted Heide.
France were then given a one-man advantage when Germany midfielder Winners Osawe was sent off for diving in on Ismail Bouneb while already on a yellow card.
The Blues continued to apply pressure and it paid off when Mathis Amougou scored a tap-in in the 85th minute.
A staunch German defence then held out for the penalty shootout that would secure them the title, succeeding 2019 champions Brazil.
The French side dreamt of a second trophy after its 2001 victorious campaign. They eventually did a little bit better than in 2019 when the ended third.
Similarly, the last African side standing, Mali ended their 2023 U-17 Word Cup campaign on a high note after defeating Argentina 3-0 on Friday (Dec. 1).
The Eaglets beat Argentina 3-0 on Friday (Dec. 1).
In 2015, they ended with silver after African counterpart Nigeria edged them in the final 2-0.