DFB-Elf in critical ecstasyA dream debut for a 19 year old, Kimmich is the boss, a greedy magic foot
The best comes last. The DFB team beat Slovakia in the “final” of World Cup qualifying because almost all of its players performed outstandingly. Kimmich was the boss, Wirtz made the dream tickets, and Sané and Woltemade took the photos. Then came Assan Ouedraogo’s big performance.
Oliver Baumann: The goalkeeper has to wait a long time for his first touch of the ball. Then he came out strong in the DFB’s only weak minute and capitalized on Slovakia’s only chance of the first half for a corner (21′). When Duris volleyed, he confidently buried the ball in his arms (51′).
Nico Schlotterbeck: Missed the game against Luxembourg due to injury and showed the national coach what he has. He moved decisively between the two and showed excellent chances, which is important for a centre-back in modern football. Allowed to recover on the bench midway through the second half.
Jonathan Tah: Acted much more confidently than against Luxembourg and, above all, was physically present, which is valuable for the national team, which is not full of berserkers. Then took over the captain’s armband for Kimmich – and still saw yellow for complaining.
Joshua Kimmich: The captain is back and that’s obviously good for the DFB game. There was no sign of pain, Kimmich remained on the wing from the start and pressed aggressively. Provides team security and always performs centralized intervention in attacks. His chip ball from the middle of the pitch was too imprecise at first, but his cross from the side was even better. For example, the 1-0 win over Woltemade. Averted after a double substitution, just like Schlotterbeck.
David Raum: In his home games, he is the only player who does not manage to get the spotlight. His crosses from the left rarely get a pass. In the 72nd minute he still received a standing ovation when he was substituted.
Aleksandar Pavlovic: The more defensive sixes manage the game with a general, calm outlook and make good lateral shifts. Look for the vertical and play a crucial hockey assist for Goretzka before the score is 2-0. Replaced by Nmecha during the break as a precaution (took a bit of a hit).
Leon Goretzka: Works as expected of him and is always present in the corner. In Gnabry’s goal, he showed that he also has good feet with a great pass right into the crossroads. Less fortunate in the second half as his powerful right foot shot was saved.
Florian Wirtz: Hard worker, asset, always playable. The Liverpool magician seems to be enjoying finally playing freely again. Had the first shot in the 15th minute, but the shot went over the goal. Shortly afterward, he fired a beautiful, deep pass across half the field right into Sané’s path, making it 3-0. But what was even more brilliant was the pass that made it 4-0, which he played through the entire Slovak back line in such a way that Sané was able to process it straight away. In the second half, Magic Feet also impressed with their defensive work and ran past Slovak players several times in their own half.
Leroy Sane: Can eliminate all harsh criticism and frustration with one game. In the 36th minute he broke free at the right time on a deep run, one contact was enough to take the ball with him, the second to shoot flat into the left goal. His first international goal in more than a year was 3-0. He scored an artistic 4-0 after another great run. He made it 6-0 more like a circus.
Sergeant Gnabry: Just as strong in spinning as Wirtz and Sané. He made it 2-0 in the 25th minute after a good run, but his finish was too off target. Made it even better four minutes later: Piercing perfectly and finishing ice cold. His brilliant long-range shot just before halftime still sailed past the Slovakia goal. In the second half, he played the assist for Baku’s goal without stubbornness and with a general overview.
Nick Woltemade: This guy is everywhere. What was even more impressive than his 1-0 opener was that the striker had previously signaled to Kimmich how he should cross. In the 18th minute he headed the ball powerfully to make the score 1-0. After cleverly slipping away from his defenders, he stood in the air like Karlheinz Riedle on his best days. Then he positioned his body well and allowed Wirtz to make the pass to make it 4-0. After the break, he came out strong with his long but quick legs and started Germany’s fifth goal. Soon after, he artistically set the ball up for Goretzka’s chance. Shortly before the end, it was part of an incredible combination that led to the sixth goal.
Felix Nmecha: Go to Pavlovic’s defensive position. Needs a lot of balls to show off. Suffering because the DFB team is down a few gears. His long-range shot (73′) was a bit too central.
Baku Puzzle: Came on for Kimmich – and scored just three minutes later to make it 5-0.
Malick Thiaw: Came on for Schlotterbeck – and received the German team’s first yellow card seven minutes later.
Nathanael Brown: Takes up space and does not stand out positively or negatively.
Assan Ouedraogo: Less than two minutes after being substituted, the 19-year-old debutant scored his first international goal. Not long after, the former Schalke player managed to do a good backheel trick through the opponent’s legs. A dream debut at Leipzig’s home stadium!
