GERMANY commenced their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign by making a big statement against Iceland.
Leon Goretzka, Kai Havertz and Ilkay Gundogan all netted on a straightforward evening for departing manager Joachim Low.
THAT’S ALL FROM US IN DUISBURG
Stay tuned for our live coverage of upcoming fixtures as World Cup 2022 qualifiers continue.
RESULTS FROM THE GAMES ACROSS EUROPE
REACTIONS FROM THE GAME
Joachim Löw, Germany head coach: “It wasn’t our most incredible performance, but it was very important to make a positive start to the new year and that’s what we’ve done tonight”.
İlkay Gündoğan, Germany midfielder: “I think we produced a strong performance, kept things under our control. We were just pleased to be playing together again and I think you saw we enjoyed it tonight.”
STATS ON THE GAME
Germany ended the game with 76% possession compared to Iceland’s 24% which was reflected in the ball play barely leaving the Icelandic half.
There was 987 passes successfully completed by the German team compared to the mere 167 completed by the Icelandics.
Despite having 6 shots on goal the Icelandics weren’t able to reap the rewards from their efforts.
Germany had 15 attempts on goal, 5 of which were on target but only managed to put 3 in the back of the net which is surprising considering their possession percentage.
With some strong tackles from both sides there were two Icelandic and one German foul which resulted in respective yellow cards.
Germany showed great strength at the start by pocketing two goals within the first 10 minutes but as Iceland found their feet they were able to stump the German charge.
GERMANY 3 – 0 ICELAND
Germany went out tonight seeking justice for a disastrous 2020 and they got one in Duisburg. What a way to begin head coach Joachim Löw’s farewell tour as Germany take a comfortable 3-0 win over Iceland.
Die Mannschaft raced into a 2-0 lead in the opening 10 minutes courtesy of the two goals scored by Goretzka and Havertz which were expertly set up by Kimmich. Throughout the game the ball rarely made its way out of Iceland’s half as the German team cruised through to an easy win.
Although the intensity of the Icelandic visitors improved after the break, the game was put to bed after an excellent strike from Gündogan.
A refreshing performance from Germany and an impressive response to their last 6-0 defeat against Spain in Seville.
THE WHISTLE IS BLOWN AND IT IS A WIN FOR GERMANY!!!
GERMANY 3 – 0 ICELAND
90 +2 and we’re into the extra time here in Duisburg where Germany finish off what has been an easy game for them.
90+2 Kimmich the architect for the goals scored for Germany presses down the pitch.
GERMANY 3 – 0 ICELAND
89 There’s a double substitution:
Bödvarsson for Sigthórsson
Pálsson for SkúlasonGERMANY 3 – 0 ICELAND
85 Kimmich makes 140 accurate passes so far in this game really dominating down the middle of the field.
86 Sampstead concedes a free kick for a foul on Ginter and Gnabry is subbed out for Younes.
GERMANY 3 – 0 ICELAND
82 Ingason is penalised for a foul on Kimmich. Rüdiger takes the free kick but Kimmich is quickly up and in possession again.
83 Gnabry on the intent but not on the delivery who plays it directly into GK’s hands.
GERMANY 3 – 0 ICELAND
79 Kimmich steers clear of the right back role pressuring up the pitch, a very comfortable match for germany.
GERMANY 3 – 0 ICELAND
77 Iceland struggle to get it out of their half as Kimmich presses forward.
79 Two substitutions
Jamal Musiala (just 18 years old) replaces Kai Haverts
Werner for SanéGERMANY 3 – 0 ICELAND
74 Portugal continuing to dominate the play with a poor cross but kept alive by Gündogan.
Löw bring on Neuhaus’ fresh legs to finish off the last of this game. Germany are keeping possession with ease.
The final 15 minutes are being set up to be played almost exclusively in Iceland’s half.
GERMANY 3 – 0 ICELAND
71 Substitutions are made:
Goretzka for Neuhaus
Traustason for SigurdssonGERMANY 3 – 0 ICELAND
69 Kimmich slows down the ball as it comes into the box passing back and making the full use of the pitch in which Germany dominates.
70 Kimmich lifts is through and Gnabry has a shot at goal but hits the post! A what a disappointing miss when set up so nicely from our star player Kimmich.
GERMANY 3 – 0 ICELAND
65 Gudmundsson is booked with a foul on Klostermann.
67 Another shot on goal by Goretzka off the right foot but just dragged it wide.
GERMANY 3 – 0 ICELAND
65 Bödvarsson has an effort on goal but is saved by Neuer. It was an impressive take on the volley from Boödvarsson, but the German GK Neuer saves it comfortably.
GERMANY 3 – 0 ICELAND
61 Magnússon is penalised for a foul on Kimmich resulting in Rüdiger taking the free-kick.
Germany demonstrates huge flexibility in their German frontline. Tonight Gnabry, Havertz and Sane have dovetailed effectively.
GERMANY 3 – 0 ICELAND
61 Gudmundsson takes the corner and the German defence is momentarily stretched by a diagonal ball which Klosterman is forced to head behind.
GERMANY 3 – 0 ICELAND
59 Havertz hits the target once again but this time offside, still excellent play from Havertz who is dominating the play.
GERMANY 3 – 0 ICELAND
58 The lack of a clear Icelandic striker is clear as their attack appears to be weak with Ingason’s effort at goal missing the target and is saved by Neuer.
GERMANY 3 – 0 ICELAND
Another goal from Germany this time from the Manchester City’s Gündogan.
He shows great footwork at the edge of the penalty box before striking low from range past Halldórsson.
A ninth international goal for Gündogan.
GOOOAAAALLLLLL!!!!!!!
GERMANY 2 – 0 ICELAND
53 Iceland clears the ball but Bödbarsson is flagged for offside.
Kimmich takes the free-kick and continues in heavy German possession.
GERMANY 2 – 0 ICELAND
52 Germany biding their time and waiting for their opportunity to score.
Iceland have come out in the second half with a point to prove. They’re pressing higher up the pitch, forcing Germany to make mistakes and are threatening the steam roll result Germany expected.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
