Germany have been crowned FIFA U-17 World Cup champions for the first time in their history after edging past France in a dramatic penalty shootout in the final held at the Manahan Stadium in Jakarta.
The highly anticipated clash lived up to expectations, with both sides showcasing quality, resilience and composure on the big stage. Germany took control early in the contest when Borussia Dortmund forward Paris Brunner calmly converted from the penalty spot to give his side the lead. The young Germans doubled their advantage through captain Noah Darvich, who recently completed a move from Freiburg to Spanish giants Barcelona.
France, however, refused to bow out quietly. The Europeans mounted a strong comeback late in the game, with Saïmon Bouabré pulling one back before Mathis Amougou struck to level the scores and force the final into a tense conclusion.
With the match ending in a draw after regulation time, the title was decided by penalties. Germany held their nerve in the shootout, as Robert Ramsak, Max Moerstadt, Fayssal Harchaoui, and Almugera Kabar all converted their spot-kicks. The Germans eventually prevailed 4-3 on penalties, sealing a historic triumph.
The victory completes a remarkable year for Germany’s U-17 side, who add the world crown to the European U-17 Championship title they won in June. It marks a significant milestone for German youth football and underlines the strength of the country’s next generation of talent.
