Woltemade's Hat-Trick Powers Germany to 3-0 Win Over Slovenia

Nick Woltemade scores a hat-trick as Germany defeats Slovenia 3-0 in their U21 European Championship opener, setting up a promising start to the tournament.

Nick Woltemade's hat-trick propelled Germany to a 3-0 victory over Slovenia in their U21 European Championship opener, held at the Štadión pod Zoborom in Nitra, Slovakia. Woltemade's goals came in the 19th, 42nd, and 82nd minutes, with the latter being a penalty kick.

The first half showcased Germany's clinical finishing, as Slovenia struggled to capitalize on their chances. Despite Slovenia's efforts, Germany's defense held strong, and Woltemade's second goal, set up by center-back Max Rosenfelder, gave Germany a comfortable 2-0 lead at halftime.

Nicolo Tresoldi initially missed a half-chance early on, but he made up for it by setting up Germany's opening goal. He cleverly nodded the ball down to Nick Woltemade, who volleyed home comfortably from eight yards out. Slovenia pushed back strongly, but Tio Cipot's promising attack was thwarted when he hesitated near the goal, allowing goalkeeper Noah Atubolu to make a crucial block.

Nick Woltemade - last 7 games for Germany U-21:

vs Estonia ⚽️⚽️🅰️
vs Bulgaria ⚽️
vs Denmark 🅰️
vs France 🅰️
vs Slovakia 🅰️
vs Spain ⚽️⚽️⚽️
vs Slovenia ⚽️⚽️⚽️

Unstoppable! 🇩🇪🔥 pic.twitter.com/yz6yHqJRCS

— Football Talent Scout - Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) June 13, 2025

Slovenia's pressure paid off just before halftime when they gave Max Rosenfelder too much space. The defender surged forward 30 yards before laying off a pass to Nick Woltemade, who calmly slotted his second goal, doubling Germany's lead.

Slovenia continued to create chances, but Tio Cipot again missed the target, heading wide after good wingwork from Marko Brest.

A Slovenia comeback seemed unlikely as Germany controlled the scrappy second half, marked by yellow cards and few clear chances. One rare highlight came when Nicolo Tresoldi's shot was blocked by Lovro Golic after a skillful run from Brajan Gruda.

The match ended on a high note for Germany as Nick Woltemade completed his hat-trick with a penalty after Lovro Golic's foul on Nelson Weiper. The win sets up Germany's next challenge against Czechia on Sunday.

Slovenia's 3-0 loss to Germany serves as a tough lesson ahead of their next challenge against England. The team will look to bounce back after a night of missed chances in Nitra.