As Kosovo’s U21 national team took a group photo on the pitch as a memento, Antonio Di Salvo looked over a little enviously.

“We wanted to start the new year with a win, but we didn’t manage it,” explained the U21 coach.

But because the German U21s were unable to break through the visitors’ bulwark for 90 minutes, they have lost the lead in the table for the time being. With 13 points, the three-time European U21 champions dropped behind Poland (15) in European Championship qualifying Group D, although they have played one game more.

There is therefore plenty of excitement, as only the group winner is guaranteed a place at the 2025 European Championships in Slovakia. “We know for sure – this is a very tough group. Poland won’t let up,” said Di Salvo on ProSieben MAXX.

The DFB coach missed “passion and courage” against Kosovo, especially before the break, so he was “a bit clearer” during the break: “I didn’t like the first half at all, it was far too slow, not courageous enough at all.”

The German team will have the chance to make amends on Tuesday (18:00/ProSieben MAXX) when they face a very similar opponent in Halle – Israel would probably also be only too happy to take a point from Germany, as the team is still bottom of the table after four games without a point.

Di Salvo has therefore been warned. “Even though Israel have zero points, it will be a tough battle. These zero points don’t reflect what they can do,” said the DFB coach, who expects more commitment, especially going forward. After all, he has no desire to be just a spectator at the next commemorative photo