Germany’s 5-4 aggregate win over Italy on Sunday earned it a spot in the Nations League last four and also created an unlikely new hero: a rookie ball boy.
Fifteen-year-old Noel Urbaniack was the focus of post-match attention with interviews and a signed football from the Germans after his lightning quick ball delivery for captain Joshua Kimmich in the 36th minute led to their second goal.
Kimmich took the corner with the Italian defence still in conversation and keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma metres from his goal, enabling the unmarked Jamal Musiala to make it 2-0.
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“It is unbelievable. I have never been involved in something like that,” said Urbaniack, beaming and holding his signed ball after the quarterfinal second leg in Dortmund.
“We had brief eye contact. I saw he wanted the ball and I quickly threw it to him. It was my first time as a ball boy.”
Germany, who drew 3-3 on the night for a 5-4 overall win after two legs, next plays Portugal in the semifinals in June.