Germany 3-0 Iceland
Two minutes was all it took for Die Mannschaft to secure their first victory here at the World Cup 2022 qualifiers.
Germany got off to a sizzling start led by Leon Goretzka’s opening score, and then it was followed up by a goal from Kai Havertz five minutes later.
Ilkay Gundogan added one for the Germans near the hour mark for good measure as Germany asserted their superiority over poor Iceland last Thursday night.
Iceland simply couldn’t get it going as chances only came at a premium. Germany may have relaxed a bit during the second half, but it was clear that this game was already theirs.
The win put Joachim Low’s side on top of Group J alongside Romania and Armenia, who also won their respective fixtures. And the World Cup 2022 odds continue to have them as the favourites to advance in the later stages of the tournament.
It was a perfect start to their campaign after their disappointing UEFA Nations League run last year which ended in a group stage exit after a 6-0 annihilation by Spain.
Meanwhile, Iceland’s drought continues and they’ll be desperate for a positive result in their next game.
Here at SBOTOP, we recap last night’s set of World Cup 2022 highlights.
Highlights of the game
The Germans hit the ground running as they reverted to their Bayern Munich connection.
In just the second minute of the match, Die Mannschaft saw Leon Goretzka score his 13th goal for the national team. Joshua Kimmich lobbed a pass inside the penalty area and Serge Gnabry drew multiple defenders and teed up Leon Goretzka for a calm finish.
Four minutes later, their lead doubled when Joshua Kimmich’s clever through-ball found Leroy Sane near the left flank, and the latter pulled back and found Kai Havertz wide open for another easy score.
Die Mannschaft were ruthless on the attack and they generated few more chances in the first half.
Leon Goretzka almost tripled their lead via a header after a corner kick in the 13th minute, but the ball went over the crossbar.
Iceland had their first chance during the 25th minute when Runar Sigurjonsson raced past multiple German defenders for an attempt. But his shot was blocked wide by Antonio Rudiger.
Antonio Rudiger had a chance to join in the scoring party before the break when Joshua Kimmich crossed the ball into the box for a 42nd minute free kick, but he glanced the header too wide.
The second half was a slower start for Joachim Low’s men, which led to an Aron Gunnarsson chance early on.
But after that chance, the Germans tripled their lead in the 56th minute when Ilkay Gundogan converted a screamer after receiving a pass from Serge Gnabry.
Iceland pressed forward to threaten Germany’s backline as Jon Bodvarsson tested Manuel Neuer during the 65th minute, but to no avail.
To cap off the night, young star Jamal Musiala came on to make his international debut and he showed some flashes during his 12 minutes of playing time. He may not have played much this time, but he should be ready to go in the next game.
Key statistics
To illustrate the Germans’ dominance in this game let’s take a look at the match statistics from last night.
Germany controlled 81-per cent of the possession while they had 15 total shots with five of them on target. Iceland, meanwhile, held the ball at 19-per cent and they only had eight total shots with only two on target.
Ilkay Gundogan continues to be in the form of his life with his latest goal. The Manchester City midfielder has now netted 15 times in his last 24 appearances for his club and country.
Joshua Kimmich was the unsung hero for the Germans. Kimmich battled through a flu and he still had a pass completion rate of 92-per cent with 150 accurate passes. He also helped in thwarting Iceland’s attacking opportunities with eight recoveries.
Iceland are now winless in six consecutive competitive games.
What’s next?
Germany have little time to rest as they’ll square off with Romania in their next Group J clash on Sunday. And then after that, they’ll take on North Macedonia on Wednesday before the international break ends.
Iceland, on the other hand, aim to get their first W against Armenia on Sunday. And then they’ll lock horns with Liechenstein on Wednesday night as well.
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