World Cup qualification against Iceland: Kimmich leads Germany to convincing victory

DThe German soccer team began qualifying for the Qatar 2022 World Cup with a resounding victory. The DFB-Elf beat Iceland 3-0 (2-0) in Duisburg.

“Victories are the best way to ensure that a team grows together quickly,” said the national coach, who left in the summer, before the game. Joachim Löw put his trust in Bayern’s well-rehearsed bloc at the start of the international match year and was rewarded.

After the game, he applauded each of his players, demonstratingly wearing mouth and nose protection. After Corona’s scare in the morning, the national coach was able to look forward to a smooth victory at the start of his last DFB mission.

Löw, who will step down 15 years after the Euro, had to rebuild his squad shortly after Corona’s first case on the national team. Because in addition to Jonas Hofmann from Mönchengladbach, who tested positive for Corona, Marcel Halstenberg, who was scheduled as a left-back, also had to be quarantined. The person from Leipzig was classified as a Category 1 contact person by the responsible health department and was also isolated.

Leon Goretzka scored an early lead after just 120 seconds. The 26-year-old scored for the 13th time in his 30th international game. Joshua Kimmich had started the game’s first opportunity, Serge Gnabry then fell on his teammate in Munich. The outstanding Kimmich and Leroy Sané prepared the second goal in an exemplary manner. Chelsea London’s Kai Havertz made it 2-0 (7th).

Kimmich, Goretzka and Gündogan unit

“The need to show that we are better than against Spain is enormous for me,” said Löw, referring to the 6-0 victory in the last international match of 2020: “and the players too.” Result of the will to amend was the first 2-0 lead in eight years, a 4-2 against Ecuador in the United States.

At halftime, the German team had 84 percent of the ball. Germany convinced all parts of the team. “We were convinced by the fact that we scored two goals from the beginning. What was lacking in recent games and what we have firmly resolved to do, that today can be seen on the pitch, that we bring this passion to the pitch, to play for our country. The fact that there are eleven guys on the field who are really willing to do it, “said the Goretzka striker, and Ikay Gündogan emphasized:” Reaction, yes. But basically we should have criteria for ourselves, and that’s why we come into play. “

Such a lightning start was not to be expected after all the morning vortex when the corona virus penetrated the previously safe bubble of the German national soccer team with Hofmann’s positive test. Halstenberg, meanwhile, a backgammon game with Hofmann was unraveling. “The two of them sat together for a long time. Then we had to follow up. That’s what came out of it. Unfortunately, that was a stupid game of backgammon, ”said DFB director Oliver Bierhoff. But the game wasn’t in jeopardy because the DFB’s hygiene concept worked.

So the DFB team was able to present a different face with their new black EM away jerseys than in the 0: 6 misfortune of 128 days ago, although the opponent was far from having the format of former world champion Spain. . Dominant and focused, as Löw had demanded, the DFB-Elf appeared from the start. Kimmich, Goretzka and Gündogan constantly occupied the spaces in midfield and carried the game over and over again. On the flanks, Gnabry and Sané changed positions often and immediately recovered some balls.

The failure of the regulars Toni Kroos (adductors) and Niklas Süle (strain) was hardly noticed, although not everything went well after the dream start. At the forefront, there was a lack of determination against the tight-knit guests. It was only towards the end of the first half that the four-time world champion had great opportunities through Kimmich (42nd) and Antonio Rüdiger (43rd).

The newly assembled defense with Emre Can from Dortmund as the left-back was hardly challenged. Rüdiger intervened at the last minute in the only chance the Icelanders had in the first half through Runar Sigurjonsson (27th) and gave the orders loudly as Löw demanded.

At the start of the second round, the 2016 European Championship quarter-finalist acted with a little more courage, while the German team went into administrative mode. But in the end it was Gündogan, who had been dominating for weeks, who secured clear conditions with a long-range shot (56º). The 30-year-old documented his new goal threat in the DFB dress. In the Manchester City jersey, Gündogan has already been successful 16 times in 34 competitive matches this season. Soon after, Gnabry failed in the position (70th).

Löw at least cheered for goals on the wing, raised his thumb and was able to save some regular forces in the second half. Thus, Jamal Musiala also reached his first international match, the youngest debutant since Uwe Seeler. The 18-year-old FC Bayern gem, who could also play for England, thus established himself firmly for Germany.

“Overall, I’m very satisfied,” Löw said after the final whistle, “in the second half we made too many backward passes and missed some chances. I still see room for improvement in our game. ”

When asked about the player in the game, the national coach held back with excessive praise: “Jo is a very important player. He’s balanced on the court and walks a lot on the court. I’m happy with him, of course, ”Löw said of Kimmich, who had played 173 passes.

On Sunday it will be played in Bucharest against Romania. Wednesday will be the home game against North Macedonia in Duisburg again.