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After just being eliminated from the UEFA Nations League, the Germans were simply playing for pride today. It seemed like they forgot they were even eliminated and went up 2-0 only 20 minutes in. Alas, if only they had held that lead.
Jersey Swap: Quincy Promes
Germany was practically begging the Netherlands to score a goal as time progressed. As the second half lugged along, the Dutch were able to muster more and more chances and retain more and more possession. It was only right that they be rewarded with a goal, and Promes did so with a perfectly precise finish, just inside the post to beat Manuel Neuer.
Golf Clap: Niklas Süle
With a back line of all center-backs, Süle was forced into an unfamiliar right-back role. As a 6‘5“ behemoth, he once again showed some quality going forward. He contributed with some nice passes in the offensive half and reminded us that he did score against Russia again. Not to mention the little flash of footwork skill that gave Timo Werner a laughing fit on the bench.
Tip of the Cap: Niko Schulz
Besides allowing that final cross into the box, Niko Schulz had some good moments today. He had some promising crosses of his own and made some excellent runs forward with unexpected pace. Whether he remains a viable option for Germany remains to be seen, but if he can string together some consistent performances it is very possible.
Standing Ovation: Timo Werner
Werner was able to open up the scoring in the 13th minute with a nice finish. He hasn’t been his usual self for the national team lately, but with the pace of him alongside Gnabry and Sané up front, the possibilities look to be great. Of course, only time will tell if this young tangent is capable of rejuvenating a rather lackluster German team.
Meister of the Match: Leroy Sané
Every time Sané was on the ball, it seemed as though it could lead to a goal. He was great at taking players off the dribble, including one of my favorite plays, where he danced around a Dutch defender, barely kept the ball on the touch line, but just couldn’t finish the great move. Oh, and a goal to go up 2-0 doesn’t hurt either.