Nations League: Germany overthrows Ukraine (3-1) and takes the lead of its group

Germany was rushed but achieved the very good operation of the day. Surprised by voluntary Ukrainians, Joachim Löw’s players finally won quite clearly in Leipzig on Saturday evening, as part of the 5th day of the Nations League (3-1). Still undefeated, they clinched a second victory and seized the lead of Group 4 with a head start over Spain, which could not bring back better than one point from its trip to Switzerland (1-1). . Next Tuesday, the duel between the Spaniards and the Germans will be decisive.

Strong entry into this meeting against the Ukrainians who remained on an astonishing success against Roja (1-0), the Mannschaft immediately put a lot of pressure on the defense of the visitors, even if Leon Goretzka (3rd) and Robin Koch (5th) missed the mark. Yaremchuk, he did not miss his chance to send the ball into the left skylight of Manuel Neuer after the first Ukrainian offensive launched by Yukhym Konoplia on the right (0-1, 12th).

Despite this little lesson in realism, Germany remained dominant and could count on the stirring Leroy Sané, launched by Goretzka, to quickly equalize with a perfect cross strike from the right (1-1, 23rd). Suffering from a serious injury last season, the former Manchester City player scored his 6th goal for the national team, his first since June 2019. The Mannschaft then took the lead on a close range header from their forward. center Timo Werner, well served by the ubiquitous Goretzka (2-1, 33rd).

Powerful and quick in front thanks to their attacking trio Sané-Werner-Gnabry, Germany however still showed real defensive generosity in the wake of the Süle-Rüdiger pair, two players very little used in club and often too slow. Returned to a small pace after the break, she almost cracked again on a long shot from Oleksandr Zinchenko who ended up on the right post of Neuer (52nd). What to shake the men of Löw, who raised the tone and made the break on an uncrossed recovery at ground level from Werner after a good job from Ilkay Gündogan and a cross from Matthias Ginter (3-1, 64th).

The Germans seemed safe but they again saw Marlos place his beautiful curled shot on the right upright of Neuer (75th) and Junior Moraes find the base of the left post of the Bavarian goalkeeper in an open end of the match (81st). Lacking success, Andri Shevchenko’s players failed to revive the suspense. However, that remains intact for the qualifying ticket for the Final Four next fall and Germany will have to win at least one draw in Spain next Tuesday.