Joshua Kimmich and Leroy Sane dominated the game as Germany secured a convincing 4-0 victory over Iceland on Wednesday.
Germany ended their international break with an emphatic 4-0 win over Iceland. The victory in Reyjavik helps them move in pole position to finish top of the table in their 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying group.
It was yet another dominant performance from Die Mannschaft, who look seemingly more confident under the leadership of Hansi Flick. It was evident right from the beginning as Serge Gnabry found the early breakthrough in the 4th minute to pave the way for the visitors to dominate the game.
The second goal came in the 24th minute through Antonio Rudiger, but it is fair to point out that Iceland weren’t overly incompetent. They remained resilient and were trying to pull one goal back for a large part of the game.
Unfortunately, the goal did not arrive, and they eventually conceded the third through Leroy Sane early on in the second half. It was enough to seal all three points for the 2014 World Champions, although Timo Werner did add that final gloss in the scoreline with a late goal. Here, at The Hard Tackle, we will rank the German players in their comfortable victory over Iceland this midweek.
Manuel Neuer: 7/10
Manuel Neuer certainly didn’t have it as easy as he had in the last two matches. He was worked by the Iceland attackers and was forced into a save by Isak Bergmann Johannesson in the first half, before getting completely beaten by Johann Gudmundsson in the second. Fortunately for him, the attempt hit the bar and the scorer was later ruled offside.
Well that international break was a refreshing change from the past 6 years.
— Marc 六连冠 (@einNeuerKahn) September 8, 2021
Jonas Hofmann: 6/10
Jonas Hofmann failed to capitalise from his weekend’s performance against Armenia. It was rather disappointing, as the Gladbach star had shown real promise on the weekend. This time around, he didn’t influence the game much and was at times, a liability, as Iceland did well to probe the opposition. He was deservedly replaced at half-time.
Niklas Sule: 7/10
Niklas Sule was solid as ever, emerging as a rock in the German defence. He had some nervy moments here and there, but his imposing presence at the back made it difficult for the opposition to find that elusive breakthrough.
Antonio Rudiger: 7.5/10
Antonio Rudiger scored the all-important second goal with a brilliant and precise header. Defensively, he wasn’t as solid as he was against Armenia, but did just enough to help Germany retain the clean sheet.
Antonio Rudiger's game by numbers vs. Iceland:
112 touches
106 passes
96.2% passing accuracy
5 long balls
2 shots
1 goalMonstrous performance from the Chelsea man. ? pic.twitter.com/oIONe5zora
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) September 8, 2021
Thilo Kehrer: 7.5/10
Thilo Kehrer was one of the standouts in the German defence. He remained solid at left-back and his tactical versatility allowed Germany to be much more flexible in the defensive unit. He was even asked to play at centre-back later on in the game, and the defender did the job really well, despite one or two clumsy moments.
Joshua Kimmich: 8.5/10
Joshua Kimmich was impactful as ever, in the middle of the park. He controlled the game alongside his midfield partner, but what really caught the eye was his offensive work rate. He had a major part to play in the build-up to the first goal while registering the assist with a cross for Rudiger in the second. The Bayern Munich sensation is seemingly becoming a leading figure in the German camp.
Leon Goretzka: 8/10
Leon Goretzka offered excellent support to Kimmich in the middle. His box to box abilities were handy for the visitors as the midfielder oscillated between attack and defence, even registering the assist for Sane’s goal. The former Schalke prodigy scored a goal as well, but it was ruled out due to offside.
Serge Gnabry: 7.5/10
Serge Gnabry wasn’t as impactful as he was in the game last. He was, nonetheless, a constant threat for the Icelandic defence, with his direct style of play and pace giving a real headache to the opposing defenders. The Bayern Munich winger scored the all-important opener, as well, paving the way for Germany to dominate the proceedings.
Bayern players this International Break:
-Lewandowski: 3⚽️ 3?️
-Gnabry: 3⚽️
-Sané: 2⚽️ 1?️
-Gore: 4?️
-Kimmich: 1?️
-Musiala: 1?️Bayern carrying the International Break as per pic.twitter.com/c51cgt1KDL
— BG (@BayernGladiator) September 8, 2021
Ilkay Gundogan: 8/10
Ilkay Gundogan replaced Marco Reus, who was ruled out of the game due to a precaution. The Manchester City star didn’t disappoint either, emerging as a creator-in-chief for Die Mannschaft using his technical prowess and ability to thread passes in behind the backline. Such a joy to watch when he is in full flow.
Leroy Sane: 8.5/10
Leroy Sane continued with his excellent run of form with yet another solid performance. It might have been his best one yet, with the Bayern forward causing havoc with his silky footwork and ability to drift past defenders. Sane most notably scored the third goal, but also assisted the opener for Gnabry.
Timo Werner: 6.5/10
Timo Werner was certainly involved in the game for Germany. But he was very frustrating to watch, missing a plethora of chances, including an open goal opportunity in the second half. Ultimately found his goal late in the game, but he definitely has to improve in order to establish himself as Flick’s main centre-forward.
? – Timo Werner has an open net in front of him to make it 4-0 but couldn't get it on target. pic.twitter.com/u0u1NwDpky
— ??? ???? ? (@TheEuropeanLad) September 8, 2021
SUBSTITUTES
Kai Havertz: 6.5/10
Kai Havertz was selfless the leave the ball that eventually rolled behind the goal line for Werner’s late goal. Other than that, the Chelsea man looked very lively, though he would have hoped for a bit more impact.
Lukas Klostermann: 7/10
Lukas Klostermann replaced Hofmann at half-time, adding much more stability to the German defence. He most notably created an excellent scoring opportunity for Werner.
Jamal Musiala: 6.5/10
Jamal Musiala showcased his talent yet again for the final 30 minutes of the game. His flicks and tricks were certainly mesmerising, and the youngster is a one for the future.
Robin Gosens: 6/10
Robin Gosens was brought in at half-time, at the expense of Sule. He operated as a left-back, with Kehrer slotting in at centre-back. Not much impact, though.
Florian Wirtz: N/A
A late replacement for Goretzka. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
