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Timo Werner scored on both sides of the break after Leroy Sane’s draw when Leon Goretzka made a dominant display in midfield at Leipzig.
However, Germany was far from an easy road for Germany on Sunday morning (AEDT), as Andriy Shevchenko’s impoverished Ukraine team, who hit the post three times, took a 12-minute lead.
Goretzka set up two goals in the space of 10 minutes to give Germany the lead in the interval and as defensive strength eluded the hosts, Werner’s second closed the points.
Philipp Max, one of four players who kept his place in Germany’s starting XI, created two chances in the first five minutes, and Goretzka and Robin Koch missed their mark.
However, Max was partly to blame as, against the rhythm of the game, Ukraine took the lead: a weak challenge from the PSV defender allowed Oleksandr Zubkov to squeeze the ball for Roman Yaremchuk to score.
Ukraine’s lead lasted just 11 minutes, and Goretzka stole possession from Oleksandr Zinchenko before setting up his Bayern Munich teammate Sane, who shot with his left foot on Andriy Pyatov.
Goretzka had his second assist in the 33rd minute, crossing to get Werner in from close range after reaching the end of Koch’s delicious pass.
Ukraine came within inches of equalizing early in the second half when a deflected effort from Zinchenko hit the post.
Sane sent a docile finish straight to Pyatov, but, after a hopeful penalty appeal for handball was dismissed, Germany managed their third in the 64th minute.
Ilkay Gundogan fed Matthias Ginter, whose cross was swept away by Werner via a detour. Marlos and Moraes hit the wood at the other end, but the visitors failed to come back.
What does that mean? Germany and Spain ready for the decisive match
With Spain drawing 1-1 in Switzerland, Germany top the table heading into a clash with Luis Enrique’s team in Seville.
Germany, which racked up 20 shots against a Ukraine team devoid of several key players due to injuries and positive results in coronavirus tests, only need to avoid defeat to advance to next year’s Nations League final at the expense of their upcoming opponents.
Goretzka runs the show
Goretzka has become one of the best frame-to-frame midfielders in Europe and was at his best here, recording two assists and five game attempts.
His only disappointment will come with not being on the roster, the 25-year-old spearheaded a great opportunity against Pyatov in the latter stages.
Defensive problems will worry Low
While Germany’s attack came to life, its defense is still a work in progress.
Ukraine only managed six attempts, but if their luck had been different, the three that hit the wood could easily have seen Low’s side go down in defeat.
Whats Next?
La Cartuja Stadium hosts Germany’s crucial game against Spain on Wednesday, while third-placed Ukraine faces Switzerland in Lucerne.
