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The Merck Stadium in Darmstadt becomes the setting for an international football evening-U21 celebrates 3-1 victory over Spain in front of almost sold out house
The German U21 national team celebrated a real football festival at the Böllenfall goal on Tuesday evening (March 26, 2025)-and not only beaten the EM co-favorite Spain 3: 1, but also experienced how Darmstadt presented itself as a passionate host.
The game was the last dress rehearsal before the U21 European Championship in Slovakia in June-and for fans as well as for the DFB, an impressive example that international football in Darmstadt can work.
National colors in the stadium, but heart beats blue and white
Instead of the usual blue and white lily colors, the Merck Stadium was immersed in black and red gold. Many fans came with Germany's jerseys, flags and hats to support the young players of the DFB. And yet: the local identity flashed again and again. "We are the Heiner, nobody beats us!", It was just as to be heard in many variants.
The football enthusiasm of the Darmstadt fans contributed to the special atmosphere - internationally, but still down to earth. At the latest in the round of honor it became clear where the game took place: when the loudspeakers started the Bölle song "The sun is shining", cheering.
Strong performance of the U21: Woltemade with hat trick
The game also had a lot to offer in terms of sport. The DFB team convinced with joy, pressing and determination. The match winner of the evening was Nick Woltemade, who scored all three goals for Germany (3rd, 56th, 79th). The Stuttgart striker not only showed the final strength, but also playing joke - his leadership with tunnels and Lupfer was one of the most beautiful goals that the firecracker has seen lately.
The intermediate compensation of the Spaniards (19th) did not change the dominance of the DFB youngsters, which put pressure on the EM co-favorite. "We saw that we can survive against top teams," said coach Antonio di Salvo after the game. And Woltemade raved about the atmosphere in Darmstadt: "In this mood you could only feel like the game."
The Böllenfall goal as a stage for international football
The almost sold -out stadium (16,267 spectators) once again showed that the Böllenfall gate is more than the home of SV Darmstadt 98. It is a place where football is lived - with heart, with passion and with a special regional flair. For the fans, the evening was a highlight outside the regular lily game plan. And for the DFB, proof that there is perfect conditions away from the very large stadiums - both organizationally and atmospheric.
With the game, the direct European Championship preparation of the U21 ends. The appearance in Darmstadt should not only give the team confidence, but also remember - as one of these evenings where sport, emotion and the surrounding area played together perfectly.
(Red/AS)
