Team

“We enjoyed every second of it”

The dream is over. Jann-Fiete Arp and Josha Vagnoman’s World Cup campaign with the German U17s side ended in the quarter-finals against Brazil. It may have ended in defeat, but the tournament was an unforgettable experience for both players.

The campaign came to an end on Sunday night against Brazil. Despite taking the lead through Arp and putting in a combative performance, Germany were beaten 2-1. Germany dominated large periods of the match, but Brazil grew into the match and stunned Arp and co. with two goals in six minutes.

“When I think we got knocked out against Brazil, I feel a hole in my stomach,” said Arp after the match. “The evening was perfect and it was a good game apart from the result.” 66,000 spectators watched the quarter-final encounter in the Vivekananda-Yuba-Bharati-Krirangan-Stadion in Calcutta. “It was something really special to play Brazil in front of all those fans,” said Arp, who scored five goals over the course of the tournament.

Josha Vagnoman was also impressed by the atmosphere in India. “It was the biggest match of my career so far. Although the fans were mostly supporting Brazil, the atmosphere is something I will never forget. It was spectacular.” Vagnoman, who only recently turned 16, and was only later called up for the national team, made his first appearance for the national team in the group stages against Guinea. He made an appearance in all games after that. “I think I did well as a ‘newbie’ and had a successful tournament,” said Vagnoman, though he was disappointed with the result. “It’s a massive shame that our journey ended in the quarter-finals.”

Both players are extremely thankful for the experience. “India is unique. It’s a completely different culture and the people there are very friendly,” said Arp. “We used the time between the matches to explore the country,” he continued.

And so the two youth players retain many valuable memories despite the quarter-final defeat. “We enjoyed every second of it,” concluded Arp.