June-July 2005: Summer Training:
Marco's 16th birthday—May 31st, 2005—had passed during the Elite Round qualifiers. Now officially 16, he used the summer to focus on physical development.
The academy gym became his second home. Strength training, core work, plyometrics—everything designed to build the physical foundation needed for higher levels.
His system tracked improvements:
[Physical Development Progress:
- Strength: 5.8 → 6.4/10
- Core Stability: 7.2 → 7.8/10
- Jump Height: +3cm
- Sprint Speed: Maintained (8.6/10)]
He also worked extensively on his dipping free kick technique, the skill that had won the match against Switzerland. Hundreds of repetitions, adjusting foot placement, body angle, follow-through.
Dipping Free Kick: 8.3 → 8.6/10
Mid-July brought unexpected news: Coach Werner called Marco to his office.
"You've been invited to train with the first team for two weeks," Werner said. "Pre-season preparation. You won't play in matches, but you'll train with professionals, see what that level requires. It's rare for a 16-year-old, but your performances have earned it."
Marco felt his heart rate spike. Training with the first team. The actual Bundesliga squad.
"When do I start?"
"Monday. And Marco—don't expect to keep up at first. These are grown men, professionals who've played at the highest level. You'll struggle. That's normal. The point is to learn, to see what you need to reach."
Marco nodded, subconsciously clenching his first.
July 18-29, 2005: First Team Training:
The first session was humbling.
Marco lined up with Dortmund's Bundesliga squad for a possession drill. The speed of play was incomprehensible—passes zipping around faster than he could track, movements coordinated through years of professional experience, intensity that made U17 football seem like slow motion.
He lost the ball three times in the first five minutes. Each time, veteran players gave him looks—not hostile, but measuring. Who's this kid?
But Marco adapted. By the third session, he was anticipating better, moving smarter, using his technical quality to compensate for lack of experience. The system helped, providing real-time analysis of professional patterns and movements.
After a week, one of the senior players—a midfielder in his late twenties—praised his skills:
"You're good for your age." the player said. "You are still a bit raw, but you've got the talent. Keep working, and I am sure you'll be here in a couple years."
"Thank you."
"But understand something: this level is different. It's not just skill—it's consistency, mental toughness, physical durability. You have a long way to go."
Marco nodded.
The two weeks ended with a friendly match. Marco didn't play, but he watched from the bench, absorbing everything. The tactical complexity, the physical battles, the mental game—all of it was levels above youth football.
On the final day, the first team coach—Bert van Marwjik, a caretaker manager struggling to save his job—called Marco over.
"You impressed some people these two weeks. Not everyone—some think you're too young, too slight. But you've got talent. Keep developing,
and we'll see you in the first team eventually."
"Thank you, Coach."
Marco left the training ground and headed back to the academy. Two weeks with professionals had been eye-opening—he'd seen both how far he'd come and how far he still had to go.
But that was fine. He had time. He had a plan. And he had the drive to see it through.
August would bring the U17 European Championship in Italy. After that, the U19 season would begin, a new level of competition, new challenges to overcome.
The journey continued.
* * * * *
August 11, 2005 - Tournament Opening, Italy:
The UEFA U17 European Championship began under the Italian sun. Marco stood in the tunnel wearing Germany's white kit, #11 on his back.
The weight of expectation sat comfortably on his shoulders now. Four months ago, he'd been fighting to keep his professional contract. Now he was captain of Germany's youth team, playing in a European Championship.
Things change fast in football, he thought. It never allows you to get comfortable.
The group stage passed in a blur of heat, tackles, and goals.
Germany 3-1 Spain: Marco scored once, assisted once. The Spanish played beautiful football, but Germany's directness overwhelmed them. Post-match rating: 8.7/10.
Germany 2-0 England: Marco set up both goals with trademark through balls. The English defenders couldn't handle his movement between the lines. Rating: 8.9/10.
Germany 1-1 Croatia: A tactical battle. Marco scored from a free kick—his dipping shot technique finally delivering in a major tournament. Rating: 8.5/10.
Germany topped the group. The knockout stages awaited.
August 17, 2005 - Quarter-Final vs. Portugal:
The Portuguese team was technical, creative, dangerous. Their left winger had been brilliant all tournament.
But Marco was better.
At 67th minute, the score was 1-1, nerves fraying on both sides. Germany won a throw-in deep in Portuguese territory. The ball came to Marco thirty yards from goal, and three defenders converging on him.
Time seemed to slow.
Marco's eye scanned the pitch. He instantly noticed that the goal keeper's position was off.
Cut inside.
Marco took one touch, shifted the ball to his stronger right foot, and exploded past the first defender. The second defender lunged—Marco dragged the ball back, leaving him grasping air. The third defender approached more cautiously, giving Marco exactly what he needed: space.
He cut inside sharply, the move he'd practiced ten thousand times. The goalkeeper shifted his weight wrong, anticipating a pass.
Marco shot. Low, hard, placed. Far corner.
2-1.
The German bench erupted. Marco sprinted to the corner flag, teammates piling on him. Through the celebration, he caught sight of Thomas Krahn in the stands, on his feet, applauding.
Germany held on. Semi-finals secured.