World Cup QualificationNational football teams in individual criticism
The German national team took a group photo.
Federico Gambarini/dpa
No shine, lots of mistakes, but two Woltemade goals. The German national team is struggling to take the penultimate step towards the World Cup against foreign team Luxembourg.
Luxembourg (dpa) –
Baumann: Unlike the 4-0 win in the first leg, this time we had a full challenge. Allows himself to make mistakes in the build-up to the game, but stays on the front line when things get serious.
Baku: Even though it has a big influence. But his actions were marked by caution. The defense came under pressure from Barreiro. Even though he couldn’t replace Kimmich, at least he scored the second goal.
Tah: Represented Kimmich as captain and was called upon to head the defense from the start against the busy hosts. Finished twice in big difficulty, made some mistakes in build-up play and lacked his usual confidence.
Anton: Replaced fellow BVB club Schlotterbeck, but the DFB team really lacked in building their game. Constantly cheated by Sinani and Barreiro.
Space: He repeatedly created danger with his half-high crosses. This time the default remains harmless.
Pavlovic: Repeatedly dropped deep to collect the ball and build play. The Bayern professional player could not have a big impact.
Goretzka: One of Germany’s best players in a poor first half. Luckily his hand contact in the penalty box was not punished by a penalty. Left the field early because of a warning.
Sané: At first he was barely able to make any impact on his return against a football underdog. Precision and penetration were lost until he neatly set up Woltemade’s opening goal.
Gnabry: Not building on his strong performance at FC Bayern at all. Made few mistakes in the game and was repeatedly caught by the home defense in simple fashion.
Wirtz: Although he made several moves in the final third, none of them were successful. At first he locked it too timidly and then he gave up. His creative crisis at Liverpool can also be seen on the DFB jersey.
Woltemade: He tried again and again to use his 1.98 meter height to his advantage. It didn’t work for one half, but after the break the striker scored twice and it was the match winner.
Nmecha: Came on to replace Goretzka who was threatened with being sent off. It should provide added stability, but remains wobbly in the middle. Moris parried a powerful shot in stoppage time.
What a shame: Replaced a weak Gnabry after just over an hour.
Thiaw: Allowed on the pitch for a few more minutes for captain Tah.
Leweling: Instead of Sané in the final phase on the right wing.
