Everything to play for in Dortmund.
Italy hosted Germany in a highly physical match that saw 34 fouls called, with the Germans ultimately prevailing to bring a 2-1 advantage into the return leg in Dortmund next weekend. Who were the standouts from this match?
Jersey Swap: Sandro Tonali
Apart from grabbing the opening goal, the Newcastle midfielder controlled the center of the park and made sure that Germany weren’t going to have it easy.
Der Kaiser: Oliver Baumann
Italy probably would have had more than one goal today had it not been for the efforts of Oliver Baumann. The Hoffenheim goalkeeper was immense in this game, producing several saves as Germany eventually found the winning goal.
Der Fußballgott: Jamal Musiala
It’s both fascinating (and concerning) how otherworldly Musiala performs for Germany compared to Bayern Munich. The 22-year-old was on it and proved to be a threat as he made life for the Italian defenders hard, thereupon enduring a series of fouls as they tried to close him down.
Der Bomber: Tim Kleindienst
Honestly, this was scraping barrels because before the Gladbach striker was brought on, none of the attackers were in contention for this award. Kleindienst did offer way more than Jonathan Burkardt did during his time on the pitch.
Meister of the Match: Joshua Kimmich
Let the Ballon d’Or shouts begin! Kimmich seems to be getting better and better and proved his quality with an assist to Kleindienst for the equalizer and another one for Leon Goretzka to put Germany in front. Carrying consistent, quality performances for club and country is not an easy task and the 30-year-old has done just that.
