In the first of the four group games of the Nations League this June, the German national team drew 1-1 with European champions Italy, which, however, did not qualify for the Winter World Cup in Qatar.
National coach Hansi Flick seemed dissatisfied with his team’s game for a long time, but was then able to enjoy at least one point. The ex-Bayern coach remained undefeated in his tenth international match. In hot and humid weather in Bologna, Lorenzo Pellegrini gave the hosts the lead (70′), Joshua Kimmich was able to equalize just three minutes later.
The national team continues on Tuesday in Munich against England, who lost 1-0 to Hungary in Budapest in the afternoon.
MANUEL NEUER – NOTE 3: The DFB captain, at 36 years of age, the oldie in the team. In his 110th international match, Germany’s record national goalkeeper had a few shots at goal, but mostly it went wide or the outside post helped – like Scamacca’s shot from 20 meters (35′). Powerless at 0:1 by Pellegrini from close range.
BENJAMIN HENRICHS – NOTE 5: Hansi Flick once wanted to bring him to Bayern, now the Leipziger came to his DFB comeback. In his seventh international match, he acted solidly and well, in other words: he was careful about his defensive work. Advances through his right-back? Nothing. Offered too little. Hofmann came on for him in the 59th minute.
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ANTONIO RÜDIGER – NOTE 3: Changes from Chelsea to Real Madrid. At Flick he is set as the chief of defense. In his 51st DFB appearance, he cleared a number of times at the right moment, but hardly had to intervene before the break. After that, more demanded, the DFB defense showed weaknesses under his leadership.
NIKLAS SÜLE – NOTE 4: His time at Bayern is over. The future Dortmund player played the right central defender alongside Rüdiger, tried to regulate everything with routine and positional play, but didn’t have the best positional play to offer, as became clear with a few crosses. Especially at 0:1.
THILO KEHRER – NOTE 4: Tenth Flick international match, tenth starting XI appointment for the Paris St.Germain defender. In the 1-1 draw in Holland he closed the right-hand side of defence, in Bologna the left-hand side was his area of responsibility. Had increasing difficulties against the agile Italians, especially in the second half. Allowed the flank to make it 0:1.
JOSHUA KIMMICH – NOTE 3: Celebrated his comeback after a four-game break (missing two each in November and March). The midfield boss often slipped and was transferred in the duels. His chip balls to the top were far too harmless. Fought unnecessarily with Florenzi but then leveled with a determined right-footed shot – his fourth international goal.
LEON GORETZKA – NOTE 4: Kimmich’s neighbor in central midfield is the engine and driver of the offensive game. However, he hadn’t adjusted his aiming tube correctly and had a reserve with his shots – far over. Physically, however, he steadfastly held out until he was substituted after 70 minutes.
SERGE GNABRY – NOTE 3: As a right winger with a lot of train to the goal and a fine dribbling, but a mediocre shot – fended off by Italy’s goalkeeper Donnarumma (15th). The procrastinator, as far as his future at Bayern is concerned beyond 2023, was still the most active DFB attacker.
THOMAS MÜLLER – NOTE 3: In his 113th international match (thus fifth in the all-time DFB ranking together with ex-teammate Philipp Lahm), he tried again and again to use his teammates cleverly. His right-footed shot was blocked (26′). Down after 70 minutes – protection for the England game?
LEROY SANÉ – NOTE 5: Played on the left winger, but in some situations the Bayern winger looked as if he had been woken up too early against his will. Worked backwards at times, but overall it was rather static on the way. Remained completely harmless until he was substituted in the 58th minute.
TIMO WERNER – NOTE 4: Round anniversary for the striker, who is more interested in the game of the DFB-Elf than at Chelsea. Made his 50th international match in Bologna, diddged quite agile on the left wing, tried to break through. He ran a lot, worked, fought, but was unlucky.
JONAS HOFMANN – NOTE 2: The Gladbacher came for Henrichs and interpreted his role more as a right winger. Which paid off. Prepared the 1:1 with a determined attack on the right side. That gives Flick plus points. One of the most striking DFB kickers.
JAMAL MUSIALA – NOTE 3: Twelfth international match for the 19-year-old Bayern professional, nicknamed “Bambi”. This time not offered as a six, but half eight, half ten like before Sané, for whom he came in (58th). Didn’t hit the ball when he had a good scoring opportunity. Nevertheless, he revived the attacking game and worked intensively towards the back.
ILKAY GÜNDOGAN – NOTE 3: The ball distributor, clock and commander in midfield from Manchester City came in for Goretzka in the 70th minute, it was immediately apparent that the English champion (maker) is currently in good shape.
KAI HAVERTZ – NOTE 4: The Chelsea professional was part of the better positioned and more agile offensive from the 70th minute, providing more momentum and drive after being substituted on.
DAVID RAUM – NO NOTE: In his sixth international match, Hoffenheim acted from the 81st as a left-back with an urge to move forward. The flexible sweeper switched to the right side for him.
This article was written by Patrick Strasser
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