Despite having to deal with a long injury list, the Germany national team put in an impressive performance against Spain, recording a 1-0 win. Toni Kroos’ late strike decided the game for the newly crowned World Champions against the defending European Champions.
It wasn’t the most spectacular of matches, but Germany were very organised throughout against good opposition. Löw proved that his side could deal with their personnel problems and a great team performance led them to victory. Spain’s best chances came from counterattacks and set pieces, while the DFB-Team remained patient, grabbing the winner via Kroos’ shot in the 89th minute.
Löw opts for back three once again
Just like in the recent 4-0 EURO 2016 qualifying win against Gibraltar, manager Joachim Löw started with a back three: Benedikt Höwedes, Shkodran Mustafi and Antonio Rüdiger lined up in front of Ron-Robert Zieler, who was preferred to Roman Weidenfeller in goal following an injury to Manuel Neuer. Löw also put his faith in Hoffenheim’s Kevin Volland to lead the attack.
It was a tactical battle in front of 26,900 fans in Vigo, with neither side allowing much in the way of chances. Germany began very defensively in their 3-4-3 formation, almost adopting a 5-4-1 without the ball. Zieler was first called into action in the 12th minute, but he was able to comfortable turn Nolito’s shot behind. When the DFB-Team did get forward, there were signs of susceptibility in the Spanish back line. Mario Götze had Germany’s first chance with a low strike that was well kept out by Iker Casillas.
Müller makes way after 20 minutes
Shortly after setting up that chance for Götze, Thomas Müller was caught in a challenge with Sergio Ramos and had to be withdrawn due to a dead leg. Karim Bellarabi, who had started Germany’s two previous matches, replaced him.
The game dropped off a bit after that, with neither side wanting to overcommit. The play was mostly happening in midfield, although Zieler had to be alert once again around the half-hour mark, reacting well to keep out Nolito after a bit of confusion between Höwedes and Mustafi.
Germany grow in confidence, Spain on the counter
Del Bosque changed the entire heart of his defence during the interval: Camacho, Bartra and Albiol all came on for Busquets, Ramos and Pique. Despite the rain hammering down and the conditions on the pitch becoming more and more difficult, Germany started to take control of affairs. Antonio Rüdiger had the first chance of the half, with his shot from inside the box being deflected to safety. The hosts were struggling to play their preferred style on the drenched pitch and began to wait for counterattacking opportunities. They of course had the odd dangerous moment from set pieces, with a Nolito free kick forcing Zieler into a fine stop.
While the home side were using the friendly match as a chance to try out a few players, Löw stuck to his guns and, bar the enforced change through Müller’s injury, didn’t shuffle his pack until the closing stages. Newly introduced Spanish goalkeeper Kiko Casilla was tested immediately by Volland, only just managing to keep out a bouncing shot from distance.
Kroos decides the game
Despite having to deal with a long injury list, the Germany national team put in an impressive performance against Spain, recording a 1-0 win. Toni Kroos’ late strike decided the game for the newly crowned World Champions against the defending European Champions.
It wasn’t the most spectacular of matches, but Germany were very organised throughout against good opposition. Löw proved that his side could deal with their personnel problems and a great team performance led them to victory. Spain’s best chances came from counterattacks and set pieces, while the DFB-Team remained patient, grabbing the winner via Kroos’ shot in the 89th minute.
Löw opts for back three once again
Just like in the recent 4-0 EURO 2016 qualifying win against Gibraltar, manager Joachim Löw started with a back three: Benedikt Höwedes, Shkodran Mustafi and Antonio Rüdiger lined up in front of Ron-Robert Zieler, who was preferred to Roman Weidenfeller in goal following an injury to Manuel Neuer. Löw also put his faith in Hoffenheim’s Kevin Volland to lead the attack.
It was a tactical battle in front of 26,900 fans in Vigo, with neither side allowing much in the way of chances. Germany began very defensively in their 3-4-3 formation, almost adopting a 5-4-1 without the ball. Zieler was first called into action in the 12th minute, but he was able to comfortable turn Nolito’s shot behind. When the DFB-Team did get forward, there were signs of susceptibility in the Spanish back line. Mario Götze had Germany’s first chance with a low strike that was well kept out by Iker Casillas.
Müller makes way after 20 minutes
Shortly after setting up that chance for Götze, Thomas Müller was caught in a challenge with Sergio Ramos and had to be withdrawn due to a dead leg. Karim Bellarabi, who had started Germany’s two previous matches, replaced him.
The game dropped off a bit after that, with neither side wanting to overcommit. The play was mostly happening in midfield, although Zieler had to be alert once again around the half-hour mark, reacting well to keep out Nolito after a bit of confusion between Höwedes and Mustafi.
Germany grow in confidence, Spain on the counter
Del Bosque changed the entire heart of his defence during the interval: Camacho, Bartra and Albiol all came on for Busquets, Ramos and Pique. Despite the rain hammering down and the conditions on the pitch becoming more and more difficult, Germany started to take control of affairs. Antonio Rüdiger had the first chance of the half, with his shot from inside the box being deflected to safety. The hosts were struggling to play their preferred style on the drenched pitch and began to wait for counterattacking opportunities. They of course had the odd dangerous moment from set pieces, with a Nolito free kick forcing Zieler into a fine stop.
While the home side were using the friendly match as a chance to try out a few players, Löw stuck to his guns and, bar the enforced change through Müller’s injury, didn’t shuffle his pack until the closing stages. Newly introduced Spanish goalkeeper Kiko Casilla was tested immediately by Volland, only just managing to keep out a bouncing shot from distance.
Kroos decides the game
The decisive moment of the match finally came in the penultimate minute of normal time. Toni Kroos, who plays his football in Spain with Real Madrid, lined up a shot from 25 yards. Goalkeeper Casilla once again had difficulty dealing with the slippery surface and his nerves and could only divert the ball into the back of the net. It was virtually the final action of the game, although Löw did find time to introduce Max Kruse and Lars Bender in the closing stages too.
