Leipzig lesson for Russia as Germany storm to victory

In a match that enjoyed less attention than others, given it was a friendly encounter billed on the same night as various Nations League fixtures, the German youngsters very much excelled. In a performance that was worthy of more esteemed billing; the Manchester City’s Leroy Sané, former Arsenal man Serge Gnabry, and Bayer Leverkusen starlet Kai Havertz all enjoyed marvellous individual displays. The collective performance from the German side was also something to be marvelled.

It only took the hosts 8 minutes to break the deadlock; the combination of Ginter, Gnabry and Sané too fast and too clinical for the Russia rearguard to keep out. Right back Ginter started the rapid move; cutting in field and sliding a ball into the channel for Gnabry to chase. Once in possession of the ball, the winger advanced into the Russia penalty area, before picking up his head and squaring a pass to an on-rushing Leroy Sane. A mere ten yards from goal, Sané remained compose and slotted the ball into the back of the net.

The opener was in fact the Manchester City man’s maiden international goal; as the winger showed the calm and collected side of his game that saw him bag 10 goals last season, and 3 strikes already at the start of the current campaign.

 

November 15, 2018

Visitors Russia reacted well to going behind, even mustering a handful of chances in reply. While none of the chances were on target, the fact that they managed to buy a brief reprieve for their defence, will give their young stars confidence. Their best effort of note was a long range effort from Aleksandr Erokhin, but the ball just veered wide of the net at the very last.

Germany seemed unphased by this spate of Russia attacks. In fact, the hosts replied by resuming control of the ball, and launching  a series of attacks of their own.  The best chance of this frantic ten minute spell was a header from goalscorer Leroy Sane. Bayern Leverkusen starlet Havertz whipped in a wicked cross from the left hand side, yet despite meeting the ball well, Sané’s header flew straight at Russia stopper Lunev.

Perhaps Russia should have taken this clear chance as a warning. As only a few minutes later, Germany would double their lead. A goal straight from Bavaria; Bayern Munich duo Kimmich and Sule combined, the former crossing for the latter to control and fire a low drive into the far corner of the net. This was also Sule's first international strike, replicating the feat from teammate Sane earlier in the half

 

November 15, 2018

If the second goal had given Russia a mountain to climb, the third on the stroke of half time presented them with Everest. After being arguably the best player for the hosts during the first period, Serge Gnabry duly scored the goal that his performance deserved. Youngster Kai Havertz spotted the forward run of clubmate Gnabry, and after delivering a picture perfect pass for the winger.. Gnabry was composed, and waited for the keeper to get agonisingly close before sliding the ball under Lunev’s outstretched body.

The half time whistle sounded with Germany holding a commanding lead. Arguably the scoreline was a harsh reflection on a valiant Russian side, who had fought well, but were simply outclassed by the tantalising talents at ‘Die Mannschaft’s disposal. Nevertheless, the visitors would need a miracle to be able to get anything from the match, never mind a first ever win over the Germans.

 

November 15, 2018

If the first half of this match will be remembered for a dazzling display from Germany’s young stars, the second half will be quickly forgotten. More action was experienced by the fourth official than any of the players in the second period, as both managers rang in the changes, in order to give as many players a possible, some valuable senior experience.

One noteworthy incident however, was the injury to German right back Jonas Hector. FC Koln player Hector looked to have suffered a nasty ankle injury, courtesy of a rather horrific challenge from Russia’s Aleksandr Erokhin.  The Zenit St Petersburg man was fortunate not to have seen red for the high challenge.

 

November 15, 2018

In the main, Germany were quite simply outstanding. A first half demolition from ‘Die Mannschaft’ put them far out of the reach of their Russian counterparts. Three quality goals from Sané, Sule and Gnabry were the highlights of an evening which will give head coach Joachim Low a selection headache ahead of the team’s next match, a must win Nations League fixture with foes Holland. In contrast, Russia had no answer to the pace, power and ruthlessness of Germany, and while creating a few offensive openings, they never truly looked like troubling Manuel Neuer in the hosts’ net.  Looking at the bigger picture, the game will not have any real consequences for either side going forward. But for the vast array of young talents that earned senior minutes, the experience will no doubt prove vital for their futures in the game.

 

November 15, 2018