No slip-ups this time: Germany power past Luxembourg in 4-0 win | OneFootball

Germany went into the match in Sinsheim against Luxembourg with clear intent: to dominate early, set the tempo, and boost their crucial goal difference in the World Cup qualifying campaign. Julian Nagelsmann’s side wanted to waste no time asserting control, keeping nearly all of the possession and forcing Luxembourg deep into their defensive third.

First half:

Captain Kimmich, a rightback in this game against Luxembourg, got the first shot on target in minute 4, showing that his position change did not stop him from getting involved in Germany's attacks.

Only seconds after, Gnabry‘s deflected shot found the back of the net - but Woltemade‘s arm was the reason for the deflection and the goal was therefore taken back shortly after. Still 0-0, but it‘s been all Germany in the starting phase of the game.

Germany kept the pressure going, forcing Luxembourg to give away dangerous freekicks - as it was the case in the 12th minute. Even though Wirtz was the one to score a freekick against Northern Ireland, Raum tried his luck this time around - and also hit the back of the net! 1-0 to Germany.

Gnabry was involved in another good scoring opportunity in minute 19 and didn’t notice Lucembourgs defender Carlson moved the ball with his arm in the process. VAR checked it and rewarded Germany with a penalty - Carlson on the other hand received a red card and his country was down to ten men. Captian Kimmich stepped up to take the penalty and converted it calmly - 2-0 to Germany and the evening started to look not too challenging for Nagelsmann‘s team.

Just three minutes later, Gnabry was once again very close to scoring - his shot from the edge of the box looked like it went in, but hit the wrong side of the net.

As noticable early on, Kimmich was involved in many attacks: he chipped the ball to Goretzka in the 29th minute, who was meters in front of Luxembourgs goalkeeper, but he was able to save his shot.

In the 33rd minute, Germany had a great counter attacking opportunity: Wirtz played Woltemade in wonderfully, but the latter could not increase Germany‘s lead.

The game slowed down towards the end of the first half and Germany went into half-time 2-0 up.

Second half:

Similar to the start to the first half, Germany came out with energy and fire: they wanted to close this game as soon as possible and not let Luxembourg get back in - and they were successful in doing so.

Gnabry, who continued to show his great form in this game, finally got his goal in the 48th minute. Just two minutes later, teammate and captain Kimmich was in the right place at the right time after a corner from Germany to get the tap-in and his second goal of the night.

Thanks to that double-trouble action from Germany, they were now leading 4-0 after just five minutes into the second half!

Afterwards, the story of the game continued: Germany did not stop putting pressure on their opponent and Wirtz, Woltemade, Gnabry and Goretzka had several chanced to increase the score.

After around 60 minutes, Nagelsmann wanted to give some other players the chance to impress and subbed in  the likes of Jonathan Burkardt, Maximilian Beier and Ridle Baku. While they were all visibly dedicated to and focused on putting in a good shift, they were not able to score more goals for their country.

At the end of the day, the last 20 minutes of the game were more of a “character-test” for Nagelsmann's side: can they stay focused, get a clean sheet and not give into any unnecessary stress?

The answer is yes. Luxembourg were never really in any position to score and Oliver Baumann went the whole game without having to save any shots. Rather it was Burkardt, who had the last good chance of the game; but his header went past the goal.

It was a great game to regain confidence - not it's up to the team to keep that mentality up and carry it into the next games.

Full-time: Germany 4-0 Luxembourg.