This team is progressing through the tournament, sure, but are they getting anywhere really? That’s a question for another day.
Germany’s pursuits in the Nations League are not over yet. A strong first leg performance at the San Siro earlier in the week put them in a comfortable position, as they returned for the second leg at home at Signal Iduna Park. Though the final result 3-3 cut it too close, the Germans walk into the semifinals with a 5-4 on aggregate. The Germans will now face Portugal on April 6th.
In what was a game of two halves, there were several players who did well in their stint on the pitch. Here are the Match Awards for the game.
Jersey Swap: Moise Kean
The Italians, who looked like suppressed, humbled and miserable in the first half, received their first lease of life as the Germans decided to gape open in the second half. Following the substitution of Antonio Rüdiger, followed by everything going to hell for the Germans, it was Moise Kean who pushed for chances at goal and kept the Italians in the tournament. Kean can go home knowing he did his absolute best despite the final result with an exceptional brace.
Der Kaiser: Antonio Rüdiger
In what was perhaps the worst defensive performance of Germany in recent times, Rüdiger had no role to play. Keeping things tight and clean at the back line for the Germans, the centre-back’s 60 minutes on the pitch were crucial. Toni proved himself to be the best centre-back on the pitch last game and continued the same level by delivering a brilliant performance tonight. His untimely substitution marred the defense, and perhaps even directly contributed to the penalty given away.
Der Fußballgott: Leon Goretzka
Amid questions of whether Goretzka’s time at Bayern Munich is coming to a close or whether he even deserved the call-up to the national team, he seems to have proven his naysayers wrong. The midfielder did not set one foot in the wrong direction — not a lapse in judgement, not a bad pass or an unwarranted tackle. A close contender is actually fellow midfielder Angelo Stiller, who too, did a fantastic job.
Der Bomber: Tim Kleindienst
Oh, I wish I could give this award to Jamal Musiala but one could barely see him owing to the several blue shirts swarming him. The endless fouling and the harassment in the name of man marking make it hard to see Musiala. At this point, Moose isn’t a single player — he’s part of a unit comprising of him and two other opposition defenders.
It is Tim Kleindienst’s kleine world and we are all just living in it. In midweek he was subbed in during the second half, for a lifeless Jonathan Burkardt and proceeded to prove himself. Truly, he deserved a spot in the starting XI and coming in red-hot from the previous game, he continued the run of fantastic performances. Well-positioned, willing to work with the rest of attack, and clinical in finishing, Kleindienst was the best player in the attack. Fans can rest easy, as he is genuinely reliable and can take this team places.
Meister of the Match: Italy’s Defense Joshua Kimmich
There is truly no question of whether Joshua Kimmich deserves the MOTM or not. With two assists and one goal, and a strong involvement in all matters attack and defense, Kimmich was at his absolute best today — lethal, focused and explosive. Despite Julian Nagelsmann’s questionable substitutions, one can be thankful Kimmich did not get subbed. He was perhaps one of the very few players who made the second half bearable to watch.
The Italian defense was a strong contender considering the well-timed nap they were taking in the first half and particularly during the 36th minute, leading to the first goal via a corner kick from Kimmich.
