Germany defeated Serbia 2-0 in a UEFA Nations League match in Munich on Thursday, marking new manager Jürgen Klopp’s first victory with the national team. Goals from Tom Bischof and Florian Wirtz secured the win at the Allianz Arena.
Klopp rotates squad for first win
Jürgen Klopp fielded a new-look side to reverse a winless start to his tenure. Klopp selected a completely new starting XI compared to the team that lost to Greece, including debuts for winger Derry Scherhant and goalkeeper Jonas Urbig, who played at his home stadium.
This victory follows a draw against the Netherlands in the Group A2 opener and a home defeat to Greece in Augsburg. The win is Germany’s first since the team exited the World Cup in the round of 32 following a loss to Paraguay.
Did you know? Celtic midfielder Mika Baur became the 1,000th player to feature for the German national team after coming on as a substitute for Tom Bischof.
Bischof and Wirtz score to give Germany lead
Germany began the match aggressively, with Aleksandar Pavlovic missing an early curled shot and Nick Woltemade heading wide in the 11th minute. Serbia almost scored against the flow of the game when Kosta Nedeljkovic failed to connect with a pass into the German penalty area.
Bayern Munich midfielder Tom Bischof scored his first international goal five minutes before halftime. The goal occurred after Florian Wirtz created space for a shot that hit the post, allowing Bischof to fire in the rebound.
Florian Wirtz doubled the lead in the 61st minute. Wirtz used a “lovely control and finish” to score, and he dragged the ball back to create space from defender Srdan Babic before guiding his shot into the far corner.
Wirtz reacts to captaincy and performance
Florian Wirtz took over the captain’s armband for the second half after Serge Gnabry, who started the match as captain, was replaced by debutant Said El Mala.
Wirtz told @iMiaSanMia that wearing the armband was “something special” and made him feel proud. He described the match as “incredibly enjoyable,” stating that every player followed the game plan and gave everything on the pitch.
Wirtz had been heavily written off following a disappointing start to his season at Liverpool, but appeared “earnest” during the victory over Serbia.
The 23-year-old added that the role of captain “wasn’t on my to-do list” but noted that the team had “a lot of movement,” which is when players “can shine.”
Klopp sets new performance baseline
Jürgen Klopp expressed satisfaction with the team’s tactical execution, stating, “We played great against the ball and played wonderful football with the ball.” Klopp added that this specific performance “must now be the baseline.”
Klopp said, “That’s how we want to play,” and noted he intends to make a video of the victory for his archives.
Germany vs Serbia match details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Germany 2-0 Serbia |
| Venue | Allianz Arena, Munich |
| Goalscorers | Tom Bischof, Florian Wirtz |
| Debuts | Jonas Urbig, Derry Scherhant, Said El Mala |
Common questions about Germany’s Nations League win
Who was the captain for Germany against Serbia?
Serge Gnabry started the match as captain after Joshua Kimmich left the camp. Florian Wirtz assumed the captaincy for the second half.
Which players made their international debuts?
Goalkeeper Jonas Urbig, winger Derry Scherhant, and Said El Mala all earned their first international caps during the match.
What was the significance of Mika Baur’s appearance?
The 22-year-old Celtic midfielder became the 1,000th player to ever feature for the German national team.
“I just tried to give everything I had on the pitch. The players around me also made it very easy for me today,” Wirtz said, per @iMiaSanMia.
Keep reading