Germany scraped to a 3-3 draw against Ukraine at the Weser Stadion with the crowd far from impressed with what they had seen from the Nationalmannschaft. With an embarrassing defeat on the cards, late goals from Kai Havertz and Joshua Kimmich (penalty) saved the day, but the overall display was far from the expected level as Germany prepares to host the European Championships next summer.
Niclas Füllkrug scored an early opener in his home stadium only for the visitors to storm into a 3-1 lead via two goals from Genoa’s Viktor Tsygankov and an Antonio Rüdiger own goal.
Kevin Trapp- 4
The Eintracht Frankfurt keeper was making his seventh appearance and had to pick the ball out of the net more often than he would have expected. Powerless to keep out the equaliser or Rüdiger’s own goal. The third goal was also not his fault, but an evening to forget nonetheless.
Antonio Rüdiger- 4
Didn’t look overly confident in the back three and was unfortunate to deflect Mudryk’s shot in for an own goal. Ukraine had joy with their through balls largely due to the lack of coordination from the Real Madrid defender, although his long pass helped create the Havertz goal.
Matthias Ginter- 5
The central defender of the back three, Ginter’s job was to marshal the line and stop Ukraine’s build-up play and that just didn’t happen. His poor control allowed Dovbyk to capitalise and set up the third goal. Seemed overwhelmed despite an impressive season with his club.
Nico Schlotterbeck- 5
The Dortmund man occupied the left side of the back three and his positional play was found seriously wanting and his challenges were generally poor. Didn’t cover himself in any glory for the first two Ukraine goals and his poor pass to Marius Wolf was the catalyst for the second. Replaced at half-time by Lukas Klostermann.
Marius Wolf- 3.5
The back three at least allowed Wolf to get forward and make the most of his attacking ability. It was his endeavours that led to the opening goal which Füllkrug turned in and combined well with BVB team mate Julian Brandt. Disappeared from the game in the second period.
David Raum-4
Like Wolf, enjoyed the added freedom to get forward knowing there was a three behind him to cover. Was very unlucky with his effort from a tight angle that could have made it 2-0. However, in his defensive role there was a lack of coordination with the back three and two of the Ukraine goals came via errors down the left.
Leon Goretzka-4
The Bayern man took the defensive role in the ‘Doppelsechs’ to allow Joshua Kimmich more freedom to go forward. He had a good long-range effort to make it 2-2, but there was much to improve on in regards shielding the defensive line and the weaknesses witnessed at club level were in evidence tonight.
Joshua Kimmich- 2-5
The partnership with Goretzka allowed him to operate in a more offensive role and he looked to exert his influence. His delightful ball to Marius Wolf created the opening goal and contributed a number of other offensive actions. His late penalty saved Germany from defeat.
Julian Brandt- 4.5
Hansi Flick looked to give him a similar role to that which he enjoyed at Dortmund this season linking midfield and attack. It was his crazy pass that led to the Ukraine equaliser and his ball to Ginter for the 3-1 was far from ideal.
Niclas Füllkrug-3
Kept up his impressive scoring record with the Nationalmannschaft with a lucky opener after missing an earlier chance on two minutes. Held the ball up well and showed just why he is an important player in the German attack. Strong in the air but lacking in accuracy on the ground. Replaced at half-time.
Leroy Sané-5
It is hard to list Sané’s contribution in the first half as there wasn’t one apart from his shot which hit the bar. He hardly saw the ball, but did become a little more involved when switching to the left wing in the second 45 minutes.
Substitutes
Lukas Klostermann-3.5
Replaced Schlotterbeck at half time to play on the right side with Antonio Rüdiger switching. Solid enough but the defensive problems were not solved by his introduction.
Kai Havertz- 2.5
The Chelsea man came on at the interval and took a while to have any real impact. He took his goal well and then won the penalty that led to the equaliser.
Jamal Musiala- 3.5
Replaced Bayern teammate Leon Goretzka on 62 minutes and the switch didn’t really bring any noticeable upswing. There was slightly more movement going forward, but he was largely inconspicuous.
Jonas Hofmann- 3.5
Came on for Marius Wolf on 62 minutes and agitated a little more than the Dortmund man going forward as Germany chased the game.
Benjamin Henrichs- n/a
Came on at left-back with twenty minutes left. Not really challenged and no discernible contribution going forward.
Florian Wirtz- n/a
Replaced Brandt on 72 minutes, but no real impact on the game.
