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Iceland 0-4 Germany: Initial reactions and observations

The last game of Hansi’s first international break! We pray for zero injuries.

Germany v Armenia - 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images

Initial reactions and observations

  • Bayern Munich players carry this team. Two goals and three assists came directly from Bayern players.
  • It was nice of Hansi to give some of the players a rest, given the hectic schedule that’s coming up.
  • Timo Werner got his goal, but he still clearly lacks confidence. He needs to get out of this rut soon.
  • Germany still haven’t conceded a goal under Hansi Flick. What a change from Low!
  • The international break is over! Back to club football ...

Full time: Germany beat Iceland 4-0!


88’ — GOAL! Timo Werner just barely makes it 4-0!


79’ — Hansi Flick uses his last sub to take off Leon Goretzka for Florian Wirtz.


60’ — This is reaching parody levels from Werner. HOW did he miss that?


56’ — GOAL! Leroy Sane makes it 3-0 with an excellent shot! Showing these Chelsea dudes how it’s done.


55’ — What is it with these Chelsea guys, man? Timo Werner sets up Havertz beautifully ... and he misses the shot. What?


48’ — Timo Werner misses a golden scoring opportunity created by Gundogan. A great run ruined by a poor shot.


45’ — The second half is underway! Havertz and Kolstermann come on for Serge Gnabry and Jonas Hofmann.


Halftime observations and analysis

  • Hansi Flick has Germany creating attacking interplays like he did at Bayern Munich. It’s great to watch but lacking any real penetration at the moment. Iceland’s keeper has been relatively untroubled despite the two goals.
  • Iceland started timidly but eventually started pressing which disrupted the Germans near the end of the half.
  • Serge Gnabry is a total beast these days. Yet another goal for him in a Germany shirt. Let’s hope he keeps it up for Bayern.

Halftime: Iceland 0-2 Germany.


23’ — GOAL! Antonio Rudiger scores with an excellent header from a free kick taken by Joshua Kimmich.


5’ — GOAL! Serge Gnabry scores courtesy of an assist by Sane! Good start by Germany.


Kickoff: We’re underway in Iceland!


One hour until kickoff: So Reus gets to sit this one out with a magic knee injury, while every single Bayern player except Musiala gets to start. Thanks Hansi, very cool.


We’re two matches into the Hansi Flick era at Germany, and the former Bayern Munich coach’s record stands at 2 wins, 8 goals scored, zero conceded. That’s a great start by any metric, but can he make it better?

A few missing players from the Armenia game should make their return for this one, including Kai Havertz and Robin Gosens. Jonas Hofmann had a good showing against the Armenians, so he should reprise his role at right-back. Meanwhile, the attack could be in for another reshuffle, as youngsters like Karim Adeyemi and Florian Wirtz could be given a run out ahead of their more experienced counterparts.

Like all games of the Flick era so far, this promises to be very interesting.


Match Info

Location: Laugardalsvöllur, Reykjavik, Iceland

Time: 8:45 pm local time, 2:45 pm EST

TV/streaming: ESPN+, Find Your Country

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