Hansi Flicks unbeaten record and Germany’s record in Leipzig of eleven wins in a row both went as Hungary shocked the hosts with a 1-0 in the Nations League. It was not the finest display and big improvements will be needed ahead of England on Monday and more importantly before the World Cup. Here’s how we rated the players tonight.
Marc-André ter Stegen-3
With Manuel Neuer withdrawing from the squad after a positive Covid test, the Barcelona keeper stepped in as the deputy. He couldn’t really be faulted for the goal and denied both Martin Adam and Laszlo Kleinheisler in the second half.
David Raum-5
Playing at his new home stadium he was okay defensively, but almost totally absent as an attacking option on the left. Most of Germany’s attacks came down the opposite flank and in his tenth appearance mirrored what is happening at club level (i.e., struggling to reprise his Hoffenheim form).
Antonio Rüdiger-3
Showed his class on a number of occasions and error free throughout the game. Tried to lead by example but was unable to inspire Germany to the levels they needed. Harshly booked for accidentally catching Adam Nagy in the face.
Niklas Süle-4
Surprisingly got the starting nod ahead of Dortmund teammate Nico Schlotterbeck. He had the most ball contacts in the German side but did very little with them- especially in the first half with short sideways and backwards passes achieving little. Showed more urgency in the second period, but this wasn’t a game for him to dominate with his physique.
Jonas Hofmann-4
The right back experiment didn’t exactly work but saying that he was more effective than David Raum on the left. He fared much better in the second half when released further forward, but unable to bring his Bundesliga form to the game.
Joshua Kimmich-3.5
Too often tried chipped balls over the Hungarian defence which they lapped up all night. He did have a volley that was headed clear by Lang, but for Germany’s driving force, there wasn’t too much driving going on.
Ilkay Gundogan-4
The Manchester City midfielder started well but misplaced too many passes and wasn’t as strong in the duels as he should have been. Substituted in the 69th minute and you imagine a fully fit Leon Goretzka would replace him in future matches.
Thomas Müller- 4.5
Müller captained the side in the absence of Bayern teammate Manuel Neuer but didn’t enjoy the best of evenings. He didn’t do well enough defensively on the corner which led to Adam Szalai scoring. He had one half-decent headed chance, but overall, no real end product in terms of chances created.
Serge Gnabry-5.5
This was Gnabry’s 35th German cap, but probably one of his poorest performances. He brought his Bayern troubles to the national team and was just full of mis-placed passes and no threat. Hardly a surprise to see him withdrawn at half time for Thilo Kehrer.
Leroy Sané-4
Sané found space hard to come by as the Hungarians defended in two blocks but did try to create. He had perhaps Germany’s best chance but was denied by Peter Gulacsi. He tried to get things going for Germany, but to little effect.
Timo Werner- 5.5
Another largely anonymous showing from the RB Leipzig striker. He only had 14 ball contacts and spawned the one and only chance that fell to him. His body language seemed defeated, and he was subbed off after 70 minutes for Kai Havertz.
Substitutes:
Thilo Kehrer-4
Came on at half time to join a back three and tried to combine with Jonas Hofmann down the right. Played okay but suffered from the seemingly contagious misplaced pass syndrome affecting so many German players.
Jamal Musiala-4
Got 20 minutes as a substitute so it’s difficult to rate him. He did lively things up and brought a little more urgency, but even he wasn’t able to conjure up that special something to rescue Germany from defeat.
Kai Havertz- 5
Like Musiala, substituted on with 20 minutes left and Germany getting desperate for a breakthrough. Ran down a lot a blind alleys as Hungary continued to defend stoutly.
Lukas Nmecha-
It was only a five-minute cameo for the Wolfsburg striker, but he did have one half-chance with a header he didn’t connect with properly.
