Tor-Clolou against Italy: The great leader Kimmich and a ball boy “on Zack”

Joshua Kimmich smiled mischievously. And it suited this completely crazy 3: 3 against Italy, that the omnipresent captain was of course also the ingenious initiator in the most curious scene of this captivating football game. “It wasn’t a coincidence. You also prepare a little bit for opponents,” said Schlitzohr Kimmich after the Tor-Clou from Dortmund.

For many spectators, several teammates and also for television, everything went far too quickly in this 36th minute. As for the outsiders of Italians around the fairly belomed start goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Spontaneously at that moment Kimmich, his Bayern colleague Jamal Musiala and the mentally present ball boy Noel Urbaniak into a magical triangle of the unusual kind. Kimmich carried out the corner. And Musiala was completely alone at the five -meter room and shot into the empty goal when Donnarumma still talked wildly on his teammates.

“Of all three absolute world class”

The goalkeeper always does that. And Kimmich knew that. He had tried early in the game to outsmart Donnarumma with a quickly executed free kick. “Of all three absolute world class,” said national coach Julian Nagelsmann corner shooter Kimmich, goal scorer Musiala and assistant Urbaniak. Italy’s national coach Luciano Spalletti meanwhile foamed: “What killed us was the second goal!”

“We reacted well. The Jamal was ready. Sometimes our boys didn’t notice it. Fortunately, it worked,” said Kimmich. And he didn’t forget noble helpers Noel either: “I ran out, wanted the ball. He was definitely on the Zack and then made the goal possible.”

Proud Joel: A picture with Kimmich and call to Mama

Urbaniak first contacted his mom after his goal assist. He had to tell her about his incredible experience. “I thrown the ball directly, we had an eye contact beforehand. I have never experienced anything like that. It was my first time as a ball boy. It feels really good,” said the teenager at RTL. He was suddenly a hero of this game.

“The ball boy does it well,” said Nagelsmann. “But the decisive player is Josh, who wants the ball quickly. And then also Jamal, who behaves cleverly.” The national coach praised the intuition of everyone involved. “You can’t rehearse that. It was a very intelligent action.”

The ball boy and Kimmich met for a photo together on the edge of the field after the final whistle. “Jo signed the ball and said thank you,” said Urbaniak. And DFB sports director Rudi Völler promised the boy to “get a free ticket at the next home game”.

Kimmich’s change and a special anniversary

This is now the North League semi-final against Portugal in Munich on June 4. It will also be Kimmich’s 100th international. At home in the Allianz Arena. In front of a big backdrop. And it is a game that is about moving into the final. “It will be a short but important tournament. The elite of Europe is invited,” said Kimmich full of anticipation.

It is currently running for Kimmich, who has recently extended FC Bayern and who has been a face of the decline of the national team for years with the tournament flops from 2018 to 2022. After the home European Championships 2024, the ambitious Munich team has become captain. In the quarter-final classic against Italy, he was involved in all five German goals. A leader can hardly afford more than he.

Arranged with a position on the right side

Nagelsmann had already praised his captain after the 2-1 in Milan. “I love how Josh always goes to the border. His attitude is impressive.” Kimmich afterwards, finally win titles in the DFB jersey. The Nations League in June should be the beginning.

For success, Kimmich has long since come to terms with the fact that he is playing on the right in the national team – and not like FC Bayern in midfield. He can shape the game in both positions can lead a team – and even encourage a bright ball boy to form a very special campaign.