Heartbreak as Germany crash out of U17 World Cup

Germany U17’s World Cup campaign came to a devastating end in Doha this afternoon.

The defending champions were unable to break down a resolute Burkina Faso side, falling to a 1-0 defeat and bowing out at the round-of-32 stage – ensuring a new champion will be crowned this year.

Marc Meister’s team were rocked early. Just five minutes in, Mohamed Zongo capitalised on hesitant defending, collecting the ball inside the area before curling a composed finish beyond Marcello Trippel to give Burkina Faso a shock lead.

Germany sought an immediate response and came agonisingly close when Wisdom Mike latched onto a pass inside the area and unleashed a crisp half-volley, only for goalkeeper Rahim Ouattara to produce a brilliant fingertip save.

Despite enjoying 74% possession and outshooting their opponents, frustration mounted throughout the first half. Burkina Faso’s deep, disciplined block held firm, sending Germany into the break trailing 1-0.

With their title defence hanging by a thread, Germany emerged after half-time with renewed urgency. Mussa Kaba squandered a golden opportunity just three yards out, scuffing wide with the goal at his mercy. Burkina Faso, meanwhile, continued to defend valiantly, offering Germany little in the way of clear chances.

As the minutes drained away, Germany grew increasingly desperate in their push for an equaliser. Burkina Faso even threatened to put the game to bed, with Trippel twice denying Halidou Diakité on the counter to keep his side alive.

Both teams saw goals ruled out following VAR checks, but the most painful moment came deep into stoppage time: Germany’s dramatic 98th-minute equaliser was wiped away after Benno Kaltefleiter was adjudged to be offside in the build-up.

After 12 tense minutes of added time, the referee finally brought an end to a breathless second half. Burkina Faso held firm for a famous 1-0 victory to book their place in the round of 16, while Germany depart the tournament empty-handed and visibly heartbroken.