Germany produced a much better display against the French in Rudi Völler’s first game back as Bundestrainer following the sacking of Hansi Flick on Sunday. The 2-1 win in Dortmund will boost the confidence levels, but the all round increase in energy, aggression, and purpose will be even more pleasing to fans of the Nationalmannschaft.
An early Thomas Müller goal set the hosts on their way, but it took until the 87th minute for Leroy Sané’s goal to make things safe. A late penalty from Antoine Griezmann proved little more than a consolation as Germany recorded a much-needed win. Here are the player ratings from the Signal Iduna Park.
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen: 2
The Barcelona keeper has strengthened his claim to remain the German number one with this performance tonight. He produced a good save from Tchouameni’s header in the first half and a better reflex save on the hour mark from the same player. Another super late save from Antoine Griezmann kept the French out and helped secure the win. The late penalty was the only blot on his overall display.
Niklas Süle: 2,5
Back in the starting XI after returning home to be at the birth of his second child, the Dortmund defender produced a solid display at his home stadium to help keep the door shut on the French attack.
Antonio Rüdiger: 2,5
Overall a good, solid game. He played on the edge a little against Kolo Muani and Coman at times, but won out. Almost caught out by Kolo Muani in the 20th minute with a penalty shout, but he marshalled the back line well.
Jonathan Tah: 2
In for Nico Schlotterbeck, who had a nightmare against Japan, and he did he future prospects no harm at all with a very confident performance as one of the centre backs. It was an assured display from the Leverkusen man and he even began the move that led to the second goal.
Benjamin Henrichs: 3
He played the final pass to Thomas Müller for the opening goal in an energetic opening for Germany. Had a few troublesome moments up against Kingsley Coman, but then who doesn’t?
Emre Can: 3
The Dortmund captain had a much better game than against Japan and his defensive work in front of the back four was a key to helping to keep France at bay. There are still too many misplaced passes, but a big improvement from Saturday.
Ilkay Gündogan: 3
Won the ball back after giving away possession to start off the move that led to the opening goal. Unfortunately the new captain had to be substituted after just 25 minutes after landing painfully on his back after an aerial dual with Adrien Rabiot.
Leroy Sané: 2,5
The concession of the penalty came straight after his goal and we can put that down to the emotions of hitting another goal for his country in as many games. He looks to be getting better and better in Germany shirt, which can only be good news.
Serge Gnabry: 2.5
He really looked from the outset that he wanted to correct the poor performance he brought against Japan and succeeded in doing so with a number of exciting runs. He was involved in the slick combination play for the opener.
Florian Wirtz: 3,5
He missed a good opportunity after being set-up by Julian Brandt. The Leverkusen prodigy has still not really taken off as a German international and recreated his club form, but these games will all contribute to his eventual success (hopefully).
Thomas Müller: 2
Called in by Rudi Völler to lead the line, the choice paid instant dividends with the early goal. His 45th goal for the Nationalmannschaft moves him level with Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. He took over the captain’s armband in his 122nd appearance when Gündogan was forced off. Germany still need Thomas Müller.
Subs:
Pascal Groß: 3,5
Introduced earlier than he would have expected and was forced into a tactical foul, which brought a yellow card. Showed his inexperience at this level at times.
Julian Brandt: n/a
Created one chance for Wirtz, but other than that little impact.
Kai Havertz: n/a
Sent on for Thomas Müller and again didn’t look the most comfortable in the central striker role. Did play the key pass to Sané for the second goal.
Jonas Hofman: n/a
On for the last 12 minutes in place of Florian Wirtz.
Robin Gosens: n/a
On for 12 minutes in an attempt to make up for his failings against Japan. Still has an important role to play for the team going forward.
