Germany are through to the Nations League after Sunday’s 3-3 draw against Italy in the second leg. For coach Julian Nagelsmann, a very important advancement after disappearing from his own European Championship playoffs last summer so far too soon. There are many factors that determine who leaves the pitch as the winner, on Sunday the “whole” of Germany and Nagelsmann will also have to thank a 15-year-old.
For a young ball boy/girl, who runs around along the sideline to bring balls back to the players, it is a great honor and joy to be close to their idols. However, some take it a little more seriously and become the 12th player for the home team. A German 15-year-old played a very important role on Sunday that sent Germany through to the semi-finals of the Nations League.
Germany secured a 5-4 aggregate victory against Italy, it was especially Jamal Musiala’s 2-0 goal that has made headlines in Germany. While the Italian defender was arguing with Gianluigi Donnarumma, who was well outside the goal, Joshua Kimmich struck with a lightning fast and surprising corner kick to Musiala and easy scoring.
Assist on Kimmich, where a 15-year-old was also noted with “assists”. Ball boy Noel Urbaniack was interviewed on German TV after the game about what happened.
-It’s unbelievable. I’ve never been involved in anything like that. I made brief eye contact with Kimmich. I saw that he wanted the ball and I quickly threw it to him. It was my first game as a ball boy,” the 15-year-old said, according to Reuters.
Not surprisingly, it was the 15-year-old who went home from the game with a signed ball.
