- Fixture: Germany U21 vs Slovenia U21
- Date: Thursday, 12 June 2025
- Venue: Stadion pod Zoborom, Nitra, Slovakia
- Competition: UEFA European Under-21 Championship, Group B
Germany U21 and Slovenia U21 square off in Nitra for their opening Group B clash at the 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. The Germans arrive as one of the tournament favorites, boasting a squad packed with Bundesliga talent and a proud U21 pedigree, while Slovenia are making only their second appearance at this stage, eager to claim their first ever win in the finals.
Germany’s form coming into the tournament is formidable. Antonio Di Salvo’s side cruised through qualifying unbeaten, topping their group with 26 points from 10 games and scoring freely along the way. Their last outing was a convincing 3-1 friendly win over Spain in March, highlighted by a hat-trick from Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade. The Germans are unbeaten in their last 15 official matches (12 wins), and have a strong record in Euro U21 openers, never losing in their last five. There are no reported injuries or suspensions, and Di Salvo has a full squad to choose from, despite missing a few players due to club commitments elsewhere.
Slovenia, in contrast, arrive as underdogs but with a sense of achievement. They finished top of their qualifying group ahead of France, a major scalp, and are determined to improve on their group-stage exit as co-hosts in 2021. However, their recent form is patchy, with just one win in their last five matches and a defeat to Finland in March. Their last game was a spirited 2-2 draw with Slovakia, where they came from two goals down to salvage a point. Like Germany, Slovenia have a clean bill of health and a full squad available for selection.
The key battle will be in midfield, where Germany’s captain Eric Martel anchors a talented group including Rocco Reitz, Paul Nebel, Paul Wanner, and Brajan Gruda. Up front, Nick Woltemade is in red-hot form and will be the main threat. Slovenia will look to Žan-Luk Leban in goal for leadership, while Mitja Ilenič and Dino Kojic will be crucial in defense and attack, respectively. Expect Slovenia to set up compact and try to hit on the counter, but the gulf in squad depth and experience is clear.
Given the disparity in quality and recent results, most analysts expect Germany to control possession and create the majority of chances. Slovenia’s only hope may be to frustrate and counter, but Germany’s attacking firepower and tournament pedigree should see them through comfortably. A high-scoring win for the Germans is widely predicted, with over 2.5 goals likely.
Key Players to Watch
- Germany U21: Nick Woltemade (Stuttgart), Eric Martel (FC Köln, captain), Brajan Gruda (Brighton & Hove Albion), Paul Nebel (Mainz 05), Rocco Reitz (Borussia Mönchengladbach).
- Slovenia U21: Žan-Luk Leban (Everton, GK), Mitja Ilenič (NYCFC), Dino Kojic (Olimpija Ljubljana), Zan Jevsenak (Celje).
Prediction
Germany U21 are overwhelming favorites and should have too much for Slovenia U21. Expect a dominant display from the Germans, with their quality in midfield and attack likely proving decisive. A 3-0 or 4-1 win for Germany is a reasonable prediction.
Betting Markets & Odds
| Market | Selection | Odds | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Time Result | Germany U21 | 2/5 | Bet Now |
| Full Time Result | Draw | 17/5 | Bet Now |
| Full Time Result | Slovenia U21 | 15/1 | Bet Now |
| Germany U21 -1 Handicap | Germany U21 (-1) | 8/13 | Bet Now |
| Over 2.5 Goals | Yes | 8/13 | Bet Now |
| Both Teams to Score | Yes | 4/7 | Bet Now |
| Correct Score | Germany U21 3-0 | 7/1 | Bet Now |
| Correct Score | Germany U21 3-1 | 9/1 | Bet Now |
Odds are fractional and subject to change.
Germany U21 are set to begin their Euro U21 campaign with a statement win. All eyes will be on their dynamic midfield and clinical attack, while Slovenia will hope to keep the score respectable and perhaps spring a surprise on the break. For punters, Germany to win with a handicap and over 2.5 goals look like the standout bets.
