SAN FRANCISCO, November 14, (THEWILL) –Â Germany are in pole position in the UEFA Nations League Group A4 ahead of a crunch clash with Spain as Joachim Low’s side came from behind to beat Ukraine 3-1 in the Red Bull Arena, Leipzig.
Of four players to keep their places in Germany’s starting XI, Philipp Max more than displayed why. He created two chances inside the opening five minutes, with Leon Goretzka and Robin Koch frittering them away.
However, Max had some share of the blame as, against the run of play, Ukraine took the lead. The PSV defender’s feeble challenge enabled Oleksandr Zubkov to squeeze the ball back for Roman Yaremchuk to lash home, giving the visitors the lead.
That lead lasted just 11 minutes. In the 23rd minute, Goretzka robbed Oleksandr Zinchenko of possession and set up Bayern Munich team-mate Sane, who arrowed a left-footed pelter across Andriy Pyatov.
Goretzka had himself another assist in the 33rd minute. The Bayern central defensive midfielder crossed for Timo Werner to head in from close range.
Ukraine came within inches of equalising early in the second half but Zinchenko’s deflected effort hit the upright.
Sane, by contrast with his goal-scoring effort, sent a tame finish straight at Pyatov. However, Germany were not to be denied. After having a hopeful penalty appeal for handball dismissed, they scored a third goal in the 64th minute.
Ilkay Gundogan fed Matthias Ginter, whose cross was swept home by Werner via a deflection. Marlos and Moraes did strike the woodwork of the German goal, but the visitors failed to muster a comeback.
With the 1-1 draw between Spain and Switzerland, Germany top the table heading into a showdown with Luis Enrique’s team in Seville. Germany only need to avoid defeat to progress to next year’s Nations League finals at the expense of their next opponents.
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While Germany’s attack was sharp, their defence still needs a lot of work. Ukraine managed six attempts, and had fortune been on their side, the three which struck the woodwork could easily have seen Low’s side slip to a defeat.
For their next engagement, the Germans travel to the Estadio La Cartuja for that crucial match with Spain on Tuesday, November 17, while third-placed Ukraine face Switzerland in Lucerne.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
