It was a straightforward victory for Germany on Saturday evening as they completely dominated a defensive-minded Israel. Both goals came in the first period which saw Die Mannschaft have most of their best chances. The second half saw two penalty misses for either side as Germany saw the game out with relative ease.
Marc-André ter Stegen, 7 – What can you say for a keeper that hasn’t had a save to make all night? Ter Stegen moved the ball on quick to keep up Germany’s momentum. His distribution from the ground was solid. A solid day’s work for the possible new Germany number one.
Thilo Kehrer, 7 – Kehrer wasn’t tested too much from a defensive point-of-view tonight. The 25-year-old made a few loose passes in the first half but all round had a good performance. He got forward when he could and nearly got his first goal for Die Mannschaft was it not for a great save by the Israel goalkeeper. Overall, Kehrer contributed to a straightforward Germany display.
Jonathan Tah, 8 – Tah commanded the backline well tonight. He didn’t have much to do in the first half but was called into action in the second 45. The Leverkusen centre-back made a crucial challenge in the 53rd when Israel looked certain to score. A strong display from the defender.
Nico Schlotterbeck, 6 – You wouldn’t have thought that tonight was Schlotterbeck’s first-team appearance. The 22-year-old worked well alongside Tah when they were occasionally brought into action. However, deep in added time the defender made an unnecessary error which led to Israel’s penalty which was saved by Kevin Trapp.
David Raum, 8 – Raum had a solid night on Germany’s left. He linked up well with Havertz and Musiala when going forward. Raum also provided an assist for Germany’s first via a corner. The full-back is having a great season for Hoffenheim and it’s clearly continuing for his national side. It’ll be interesting to see how Raum fairs against stronger opposition.
Julian Weigl, 7 – Weigl was impressive tonight. Alongside Gündoğan, the duo were pulling the strings feeding the ball into Musiala and Havertz. Weigl played with tempo, conviction, and confidence. Making only his 6th cap for the senior team, it’ll be interesting to see how Weigl fits into Hansi Flick’s plans.
İlkay Gündoğan, 8 – Gündoğan was like a fine Rolls Royce in Germany’s midfield tonight. A brilliant box-to-box performance, the Manchester City player kept things ticking for his side at both ends of the pitch. Gündoğan also played his part for Germany’s second when his freekick was cleverly turned in by Werner.
Julian Draxler, 7 – Draxler hadn’t played for Germany since October 2020 until tonight. The forward had a strong return for Die Mannschaft and tried to make things happen, especially in the second period. He wasn’t as effected in the second period but nor were Germany as a whole despite their complete dominance.
Jamal Musiala, 8 – Musiala once again showed the world just how good he can be. The youngster was Germany’s focal point in the first period and went on a couple of good runs himself. The only thing that was missing from Musiala’s performance tonight was an assist or a goal.
Kai Havertz, 8 – Havertz had a brilliant night for Die Mannschaft. Constantly looking for the ball, the attacking midfielder was the main danger man in the first period and eventually found the opening goal moments after having an effort saved. With 80-minutes under his belt tonight, Havertz continues to be a key player for Germany.
Timo Werner, 7 – At the beginning of the night, Werner had a flurry of chances which he perhaps should have scored. A couple of chances were snatched at and some were offside. He did eventually get his goal just before halftime and it was taken well from Gündoğan’s free-kick. Flick clearly believes in his forward who get’s plenty of playing for his national side. He was just missing a cutting edge tonight.
Others: Kevin Trapp (8) Thomas Müller (5) Christian Günter (6) Anton Stach (6) Leroy Sané (6) Lukas Nmecha (7)
