In front of a largely empty Rajko Mitic Stadium in Belgrade, Germany came away with a 3-1 win over Serbia in their first of two UEFA Nations League matches during this month’s international break.
An own goal from Srđan Babić in the third minute well before his consolation goal in the 56th minute opened the scoring for Germany in what was a dominant first half display aside from a spirited end from the Serbians to the first 45 minutes. Florian Wirtz added a second for Die Mannschaft in the 14th minute after
tapping in from point blank range after what looked like keeper Vanja Milinković-Savić getting a hand to initial chip attempt.
Brajan Gruda rounded out the scoring for Germany in the 50th minute with a moment of individual brilliance having made a 40-yard run with the ball at his feet and Jürgen Klopp had quite the smile on his face when cameras panned to the German dugout after the goal. Gruda’s goal wrapped a bow on what was Klopp’s second win since becoming Germany manager and a win that keeps the Germans in third place in Nations League group B ahead of the clash against the Netherlands in Berlin on Monday night.
The Dutch will be heading to Berlin on the heels of a comprehensive 7-0 win over Greece in Amsterdam as Xavi Hernández really seems to have found his way with the Dutch national team.
After the win over Serbia, Joshua Kimmich was asked whether or not he’ll be going into the match against the Netherlands with the mentality of a cup final as Germany fight to get into the second spot in the group. “Yes, absolutely. I think we actually have to win, given the current situation in the group. So we’re really looking forward to the game,” he said (via @iMiaSanMia).
A win alone over the Dutch wouldn’t guarantee second spot in the group for Germany, as they would also need Greece to not defeat Serbia in Volos. Germany do currently have a superior goal difference; the two nations are level on eight points apiece.
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