Flick had started his era as the German national coach with a 12-0 start (2-0 Liechtenstein, 6-0 Armenia, 4-0 Iceland). But instead of the next goal avalanche, there was the first goal of his tenure. Iannis Hagi, son of the great Gheorghe Hagi, pushed the ball through Antonio Rüdiger’s legs and then defeated Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, who replaced Manuel Neuer (adductor problems) in goal (9th).
Romania had switched in a flash – a tactic with which the underdog caused problems for the leaders in Group J several times in the first 30 minutes. The Flick-Elf was superior and had chances, but rarely came as close to the goal in the first half against the massive defensive block as before the 0: 1, when Joshua Kimmich was ready for the penalty kick (8th). Referee Cüneyt Cakir took his penalty whistle back after a fall from Timo Werner after studying the TV pictures.
Reward for Germany’s efforts
After the change, the larger class prevailed. Serge Gnabry with his fifth goal in the current qualification made it 1-1 (52nd). For the winning goal it was still a little tremble until the substitute Müller was spot on after an extended corner (81st). Salzburg’s Karim Adeyemi was used in the finish.
“I think we played a committed game. If you go into the break with 0: 1, that’s not a satisfying feeling. We already had the feeling that we deserved more. It was all the nicer that we were able to reward ourselves with the 2: 1, ”said Müller. Germany are now six points ahead of North Macedonia (4-0 against Liechtenstein) because Armenia dropped points in Iceland (1-1).
Draw between the Czech Republic and Wales
In Group E, the points were shared in the key game for second place behind the Belgians currently active in the Nations League. The Czech Republic and Wales played 2-2 and are eight points behind Belgium with eight points. The British have played one game less. Daniel James (69.) ironed out the blunder of the day from Wales goalie Danny Ward with his goal to the final score. He was unable to control a back pass from Aaron Ramsey (goal scorer to 1: 0/36.), The ball rolled over his foot into the goal (49th).
The Netherlands booked a lap in Group G according to their taste. Thanks to Davy Klaassen (19th), the “Oranje” team, supervised by Louis van Gaal, scored a 1-0 win in Latvia. Behind them, Turkey buttoned the second-placed Norwegians (without the injured Erling Haaland) one point (1: 1). The Netherlands set themselves apart by two points.
Croatia and Russia in lockstep
In Group H, Russia and Croatia continue to march in lockstep, both nations now hold 16 points. In Kazan, an own goal by Slovakian Milan Skriniar (24th) made the difference. In Cyprus, two veterans initiated the 3-0 victory for the vice world champions Croatia: Luka Modric served Ivan Perisic (45th + 2). After a missed penalty by Modric (54th), Josko Gvardiol (80th), Marko Livaja (92nd) secured the clear victory in the end.
Slovenia shared their biggest win of the day with North Macedonia in a 4-0 win against Malta. Former ÖFB U21 team player Sandi Lovric prepared three goals, including the final score by Benjamin Sesko. At the age of 18 and 130 days, the Salzburg man became the youngest team goal scorer in the history of Slovenia.
