Nick Woltemade Set to Make National Team Debut Against Portugal

HERZOGENAURACH, Germany — Nick Woltemade, 23, is having a week to remember. The VfB Stuttgart striker has been called up by national coach Julian Nagelsmann for the German national team for the first time, and he will also start in the Nations League semifinal against Portugal on Wednesday evening at 9 PM (ZDF, DAZN).

This is Woltemade’s first nomination and his first starting appearance, a remarkable achievement. He has impressed during training sessions at the Adidas team facility in Herzogenaurach and has been in excellent form, scoring 17 goals and providing three assists in 33 official matches last season.

“Nick has made a good impression; he is a good guy,” Nagelsmann said on Tuesday evening. “I have heard many positive things about him from Sebastian Hoeneß and also from his time in Bremen, which I can confirm. He is pleasant to work with and is well-received in the team. He has a good goal-scoring ability.”

It remains uncertain if Woltemade will start ahead of friend Niclas Füllkrug or if both will play together. Nagelsmann emphasized, “They are different types of strikers, and we have not fully decided who will begin. Maybe we will even play with both.”

Woltemade’s potential debut comes after a successful season with Stuttgart, where he helped the team secure the DFB-Pokal, winning 4-2 against Arminia Bielefeld at the end of May. Following the Nations League, he will join the U21 national team in Slovakia for the U21 European Championship, starting on June 12.

DFB coach Antonio Di Salvo mentioned, “Nick is expected to arrive on Monday. If he plays beforehand, he won’t train that day.” Di Salvo confirmed that he had discussed Woltemade’s schedule with Nagelsmann, ensuring he could join the U21 squad promptly.

Woltemade’s debut would mark another highlight in a series of successes over recent months. As the excitement builds, the German national team prepares to face Portugal, aiming for a place in the Nations League final.