Losing To Germany U-17, Venezuela U-17 Qualifies As Best Three

Venezuela U-17 lost to Germany U-17 so that Indonesia U-17 was eliminated at the 2023 U-17 World Cup. (Doc. LOC WCU17/BRY)

JAKARTA - The U-17 Venezuelan national team still qualified for the last 16 despite losing 3-0 against Germany U-17 in the final match of Group F at the Jakarta International Stadium, Jakarta, Saturday, November 18 afternoon WIB. Venezuela U-17 qualified with the best third place.

Venezuela U-17, who was previously second with four points, replaced Mexico U-17, who was previously in third place.

Mexico U-17 itself successfully beat New Zealand U-17 with a score of 4-0 which brought them to runners-up.

They have the same points as Venezuela, but are ahead on goal difference to rank two.

Mexico also qualified for the last 16 to accompany Germany, who emerged as group winners with nine points. Germany maintains a record unbeaten from three matches in this group stage.

Venezuela, who came down to third place, finally fought for the third best position to get a ticket to the knockout round.

With four points, Venezuela occupies fourth position as well as equips the teams that qualify with the best three statuses.

Venezuela also eliminated the U-17 Indonesian national team which only had two points. Meanwhile, South Korea U-17 also failed, whatever the result was against Burkina Faso U-17 in Group E. Because South Korea has not yet got points from the first two matches.

Only in the last 16, Venezuela already had to meet Argentina's top U-17 team to win Group D with nine points. However, coach Ricardo Valino is optimistic about facing the match between South American teams.

"We fought Argentina in the next round. Yes, we already know each other. We have competed too often in South American competitions. We have good strength and attacking ability to confront them," said Valino.

In the match against Germany, Venezuela did not move. The European champion performed outstandingly in this final match.

The match just entered the first minute, Robert Ramsak immediately netted a close-range goal against Jorge Sanchez. The quick goal was created after Ramsak took advantage of an accurate corner kick.

Winning 1-0 made Germany even more excited to press the opponent. Venezuela actually also has a chance to equalize the score. Only, their attacks always run aground.

On the other hand, Germany managed to score a second goal through Eric Da Silva Moreira in the 42nd minute. The goal started when Ramsak provided a pass that Moreira completed with a low kick. The score 2-0 closed the first half.

Germany became increasingly unstoppable and they finally added one more goal in the second half. This time Ramsak scored a brace in the 57th minute. The score 3-0 for Germany lasted until the end of the match.

German coach Christian Wueck was satisfied because the team showed a good game. It became a very good match.

"We scored in the early five minutes. But it's still not an easy game. However, this is perfect for us," Wuck said.

Germany maintains the clean sheet well. Wuck admitted that this was done to pursue their target, namely to stay as long as possible at the 2023 U-17 World Cup.