Muhammed Damar Shines Despite Germany U21’s Defeat to Belgium
VfL Wolfsburg attacker Muhammed Damar stood out in Germany U21’s 2-1 friendly loss to Belgium on Friday evening in Essen. The 22-year-old made his return to Antonio Di Salvo’s starting lineup, marking the occasion with a remarkable free-kick equalizer and a lively performance, earning him the ‘Player of the Match’ accolade.
According to GGFN, Damar showcased his skill during his 63 minutes on the field. He netted the only goal for Germany, hit the crossbar twice, and consistently troubled the Belgian defense with his movement and dribbling. Damar clearly aimed to make a significant impact upon rejoining the U21 squad.
In post-match interviews with GGFN and other media, Damar shared insights about his goal and the pride he feels representing Germany. He also discussed the team’s preparations for next summer’s European U21 Championship and the competition for positions in Di Salvo’s roster.
Damar Describes Creative Free-Kick Equalizer
Damar’s equalizer, scored in the 25th minute, came from a free kick just outside the Belgian penalty area. Instead of attempting to curl the ball over the defensive wall, the Wolfsburg player cleverly rolled the ball beneath the leaping defenders. He later mentioned that this decision was impulsive.
“It was all instinctive,” Damar explained. “First, I told the guys that I wanted to see how the wall was positioned so that we could agree on who would take the free kick. But I had a good feeling right from the beginning. I knew what I was doing. Then I saw how the wall was standing and thought, ‘Okay, I’ll just put it underneath.’ And it worked out pretty well.”
Damar elaborated on his goal celebration, which involved a gesture towards his head, signifying the cleverness of his decision-making.
“That was just meant to say, ‘Clever, you sly fox,'” he noted. “I acted cleverly and then wanted to point toward my head to show that I was thinking with my head.”
An interesting element of his celebration involved running to Germany U21 assistant coach Ovid Hajou, who had predicted that Damar would score from a set piece.
“Ovi is a great guy. I really like him,” Damar stated. “We always practiced free kicks and finishing during training sessions. Today, he told me that I would score a goal, either directly from a free kick or by setting one up. That’s why I ran over to him.”
Frustration Over Missed Chances Against Belgium
Besides his goal, Damar nearly added to his tally with another dangerous free kick in the 38th minute, which forced Belgian goalkeeper Lucca Brughmans to tip the ball onto the crossbar. He struck the woodwork again in the 58th minute but voiced disappointment over his missed opportunities, especially in light of the team’s defeat.
“I’m really, really annoyed about it,” Damar admitted. “If I’d scored that second goal, the one that hit the crossbar, the game would have looked different. It really frustrates me. But that’s football. These things happen. You have to keep going.”
He remained focused on the team’s overall performance, despite the loss.
“I certainly don’t like losing,” Damar said. “Nevertheless, I have to say that we played well, or played well for long stretches. We conceded unfortunate goals. That mustn’t happen to us, but these matches are there for us to learn. Better now than next year.”
Damar Celebrates Meaningful Return to Germany U21
Damar’s impressive performance holds special significance, as he returned to the U21 squad this month after a lengthy absence, having restored his confidence and attacking prowess at Wolfsburg.
The attacker underwent a challenging period following a successful loan at SV Elversberg, which ultimately led to his permanent transfer to Wolfsburg last summer in search of more opportunities. His resurgence at the club earned him another chance under Di Salvo, who remained in touch with Damar during his hiatus from the national team. Following the game, Damar emphasized the pride he feels in representing Germany.
“I’m happy that I had a good game because I was really looking forward to it,” Damar shared. “I think I’ve already said in other interviews that I’m having a tremendous amount of fun being here. I’m genuinely happy to be here. I love wearing the eagle on my chest. It makes me proud.”
Focus Shifts to U21 EURO 2027 Preparations
Despite the setback against Belgium, Damar remains hopeful about the benefits of facing strong opposition as preparation for next summer’s UEFA European U21 Championship. He pointed out that competing against formidable teams could be advantageous since they may encounter similar opponents during the tournament.
“It’s great to have matches like these because these teams aren’t bad,” Damar stated. “They could even be our opponents in the group stage. It’s good to have these matches now, and if you lose them, it’s not so bad because you can learn from them. The most important thing is being ready when it really matters next year.”
