Wolfsburg’s Muhammed Damar reflects on spectacular Germany U21 return

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VfL Wolfsburg attacker Muhammed Damar provided one of the genuine bright spots in Germany U21’s 2-1 friendly defeat to Belgium in Essen on Friday evening. The 22-year-old marked his return to Antonio Di Salvo’s starting XI with a sensational free-kick equalizer and an action-packed attacking performance that earned him Get German Football News‘ Player of the Match award.

As GGFN reported in its match coverage and player ratings, Damar covered virtually every blade of grass during his 63 minutes on the pitch. The Berlin native scored Germany’s only goal, struck the crossbar twice, and repeatedly caused problems for the Belgian defence with his movement, deliveries, and dribbling. Damar certainly followed through on his stated desire to make his return to the U21 ranks count.

Speaking to GGFN and other journalists in the mixed zone afterward, Damar offered an interesting account of his goal, the celebration that followed, and the pride he takes in representing Germany. The former Hoffenheim and Elversberg midfielder also discussed Germany’s preparations for next summer’s European U21 Championship and the competition for places in Di Salvo’s squad.

Muhammed Damar explains clever free-kick equalizer

Damar’s equalizer in the 25th minute came from a free kick just outside the Belgian penalty area. Rather than attempting to curl the ball over the defensive wall, the Wolfsburg professional cleverly rolled his effort beneath the jumping Belgian defenders. The goalscorer subsequently revealed that the decision had been entirely spontaneous.

“It was all instinctive,” Damar told journalists. “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 also explained the significance of his subsequent goal celebration, during which he pointed toward his head. The gesture, according to the 22-year-old, was intended to highlight the intelligence behind his decision.

“That was just meant to say, ‘Clever, you sly fox,’” Damar explained. “I acted cleverly and then wanted to point toward my head to show that I was thinking with my head.”

Another element of the celebration had an interesting backstory. Damar ran toward Germany U21 assistant coach Ovid Hajou, who had apparently predicted that the attacker would contribute a goal from a set piece.

“Ovi is a great guy. I really like him,” Damar said. “We always practised 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.”

Damar frustrated by missed opportunities against Belgium

Damar’s free-kick goal was hardly his only noteworthy contribution. He nearly doubled his tally with another dangerous set piece in the 38th minute, forcing Belgian goalkeeper Lucca Brughmans to tip the ball onto the crossbar.

Another effort struck the woodwork in the 58th minute. The Wolfsburg attacker nevertheless expressed frustration that he had been unable to make more of his opportunities, particularly given Germany’s eventual 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.”

The Wolfsburg attacker also refused to allow his own performance to overshadow the disappointing team result.

“I certainly don’t like losing,” Damar explained. “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.”

Wolfsburg attacker relishes Germany U21 comeback

Damar’s outstanding performance came at a particularly meaningful point in his international career. The 22-year-old returned to the U21 squad this month after an extended absence, having rebuilt his confidence and rediscovered his attacking productivity at Wolfsburg.

As Get German Football News detailed this past summer, Damar endured a difficult period following his successful 2024/25 loan spell at SV Elversberg. Limited Bundesliga opportunities at Hoffenheim ultimately prompted a permanent move to Wolfsburg last summer.

The switch has helped revive his fortunes. Damar’s improved club form earned him another opportunity under Di Salvo, who maintained contact with the midfielder even during his absence from the national team. Following Friday’s match, the player reiterated just how much representing Germany means to him.

“I’m happy that I had a good game because I was really looking forward to it,” Damar explained. “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.”

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Despite the defeat to Belgium, Damar remained optimistic about the value of facing strong opposition in preparation for next summer’s UEFA European U21 Championship. The Wolfsburg professional emphasized that Germany would benefit from testing themselves against teams they could potentially encounter again during the tournament.

“It’s great to have matches like these because these teams aren’t bad,” Damar explained. “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.”

GGFN | Peter Weis